Social Work
Our social work team provides guidance and assistance to patients, families, and carers as they adjust and reduce the impacts of issues and changes due to a health condition, illness, disability or getting older.
Who we care for
Social Workers care for patients across Grampians Health inpatient and outpatient settings and may provide/assist with:
- risk assessments for child abuse and neglect, family violence, elder abuse & sexual abuse
- adjustment to a new illness and adjustment to new lifestyle counselling
- crisis assessment and intervention (e.g. homelessness, sudden trauma)
- mediation and resolving conflict between family members/significant others regarding decision making
- advocacy, assist to navigate the health system to ensure social, cultural and emotional needs are met
- coordinating discharge from hospital or health services programs
- counselling or support where there is bereavement, grief and loss
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) applications and processes
- guidance and information when dealing medico-legal and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) matters
- assistance with the transition to supported accommodation including Residential Aged Care, Supported Disability Accommodation or Supported Residential Service
What you can expect
Our social workers meet with consumers and family members to assess care needs. They also assess the requirement for any ongoing support services. Ongoing supports may include referrals to other health and community services to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home.
We can help you with:
- emotional support in hospital
- support for patients including those who are at risk in their home environment
- options for discharge from hospital to an appropriate service or care facility
- support to return to the family home after a stay in hospital
- support to organise care for dependents where hospital admission of a carer is unplanned
- support carers where a patients care needs change
We can also help you with contacting the right people for:
- financial concerns
- powers of attorney
- medical treatment decision maker
- My Aged Care or NDIS
- counselling needs
Referrals and access
All admitted patients of Grampians Health can access the social work team. Speak with your treating healthcare team to meet with a social worker. A referral to the social work team will be placed for you.
A referral is required before a social worker engages with outpatient or community-based patients.