Social Services
Oncology social workers help patients and their families deal with problems brought on by severe or long-term illness. These problems are usually social, emotional, financial or all three, and can extend beyond the patient to the family.
Social workers help families and individuals in a variety of ways, including:
- linking families to appropriate community resources and support groups
- helping them deal with financial issues, stress, depression and anxiety
- guiding adjustments to daily living and treatments
- minimizing conflicts to keep the family supportive and working together
- managing the grief and loss associated with being diagnosed with a serious illness
We recognize and respect that not all individuals are the same and that each person has his/her own needs, questions and concerns when dealing with a serious illness. Listed below are some of the areas where your social worker may be of assistance to you.
- Financial concerns/assistance
- Community resources
- Local support groups
- Emotional support
- Grief and loss issues
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Caregiver concerns/support
- Medicaid/Medicare
- Social Security Disability
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Children’s needs
- Transportation assistance
- Mental Health concerns
- Palliative care needs/concerns
Oncology social work services are available to patients and families throughout all phases of the cancer continuum.
Please do not hesitate to ask for an appointment with a social worker if you need assistance in any of these areas. Almost all families that we work with will spend some time with a social worker at some point in their treatment. All information shared with a social worker is kept private and confidential.
To schedule an appointment, please contact the scheduling department at (616) 954-9800.

