News from the Noteworthy from Helios Care

Helios Care Honors Hospice Social Workers

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of social workers across the country. The theme for National Social Work Month this year is “Compassion and Action,” which 100 percent sums up our team of social workers at Helios Care, the hospice for Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties.

All social workers are indeed special, but hospice social work is very unique. Our Family Support Services team is composed of 12 social workers who are specifically trained to provide care in the home for those who are dying, and many have special certifications for bereavement and children’s grief services. In the course of a year, our team sees more than 700 patients and their families in their homes or wherever they ask for service, as well as supporting others in the community who ask for grief assistance. They facilitate caregiver and bereavement support groups, children’s special grief needs at Camp Forget-Me-Not, and put together Coping Kits for families, as well as other programming free of charge to the residents.

Hospice social workers at Helios Care are trained to provide a holistic approach to end-of-life care, helping patients and their families navigate emotional, psychological, and practical challenges. Community education, bereavement counseling, bearing witness to those at end of life, practical assistance in the home and advanced care planning are just some of the duties of a hospice social worker.

They provide guidance and resources to patients, helping them cope with the emotional and logistical challenges of a serious, life-limiting illness. They ensure that patients’ wishes are respected, advocate for their needs, and assist families in making difficult decisions with dignity and compassion.

The impact of hospice social workers extends well beyond a patient’s passing. Helios Care provides ongoing bereavement support, ensuring that grieving loved ones have access to counseling and community resources as they adjust to life after loss. Their ability to offer a listening ear, a comforting presence and a reassuring hand to those in need is immeasurable. Helios Care’s free grief support groups are open to everyone in the community, not just those who were affiliated with hospice. Groups meet in different locations on different days of every month. Find support near you at https://www.helioscare.org/support-for-families/grief-support/.

As we celebrate National Social Work Month, we extend our deepest gratitude to the social workers on our hospice team. Their dedication to patients and their families brings compassion and dignity to the homes of our community. Their kindness, strength and unwavering support make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those Helios Care serves.

Thank a social worker this month—their work is truly remarkable.

Dan Ayres is the president and chief executive officer of Helios Care.