Social workers are part of the interdisciplinary health care team at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota. They help you and your family cope with illness and injury, work through issues surrounding health and treatment, and connect you with the appropriate resources.

Counseling and support services include:

• Support and psychotherapy related to diagnosis, illness adjustment, treatment and recovery
• Coping with terminal illness
• Coping with grief
• Advance directives
• Parental and caregiver concerns
• Vocational concerns
• Financial concerns
• Employee assistance programs
• Issues related to abuse, neglect and violence
• Issues related to separation from family, friends and home

Social workers can provide referrals to county, state and federal agencies and other social and financial agencies. They can help with information and resources concerning your long-term or chronic health care needs, including:

• Home care
• Nursing homes
• Child life needs
• Hospice care

Social workers can also assist you or your family in identifying therapy options or illness support groups that can assist you in coping with your illness or injury.

Services

Social workers offer many services to help you manage your condition and treatment.

Discharge planning

Discharge planning ensures continuity of care after you leave the hospital. Discharge planning begins when you are admitted to the hospital and is coordinated with your doctor's plan for treatment.

Your health care team will talk with you and your family about options for discharge. A social worker may meet with you and your family to assess your needs and identify available resources. This assessment addresses your:

• Physical and emotional needs
• Available assistance from family and friends
• Community resources
• Financial resources

Following assessment, your social worker will discuss options and the most appropriate plan. When you and your family decide on a plan, your social worker will coordinate the arrangements.

Your social worker will work with your medical team to facilitate your discharge if you no longer need acute care and your insurance will no longer cover the costs of your hospitalization.

Transportation

After your visit to Mayo Clinic, social workers can help you and your family arrange transportation by providing referrals and help with coordination. Read more about traveling to and from Mayo Clinic.

If you drive to Mayo Clinic, you may use designated parking ramps. Discounted parking rates are available for extended stays.

If you can't travel by car, medical transport options include ground and air ambulance. Mayo Clinic also provides accessibility services, including wheelchairs and escorts.

Lodging

Many local hotels and motels offer a small discount for people who stay in Rochester for medical reasons. Read more about lodging in Rochester.

Many hotels in Rochester offer free shuttle service to Mayo Clinic buildings. Ask about the hotel's shuttle schedule when making reservations. Many hotel shuttles are accessible for people who have disabilities; if you need accessible accommodations, please inquire at the hotel.

Appointments

For more information, contact Social Work at 507-284-2131.

Nov. 05, 2014

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/resources/social-work