Your OSUCCC – James treatment team understands that cancer can present physical, emotional, financial and spiritual challenges for patients and their caregivers.
Whether you are in the hospital or being treated as an outpatient, oncology social workers are available to help. Oncology social workers at the OSUCCC – James are licensed professionals who have master’s degrees in social work. They are trained to address the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their caregivers.
Oncology social workers are available to provide the following services:
- Counseling and coping with adjustment to diagnosis and the unique issues related to cancer
- Coping with social or emotional problems that may be made worse by diagnosis
- Comprehensive psychosocial assessments
- Supportive Care Screening to assess and address level of distress
- Coordination of skilled nursing facility placements
- Coordination of home and inpatient hospice care
- Problem solving for financial concerns, housing and medical transportation issues
- Information and referral to services for people with cancer, such as support groups, peer support and Internet sites
- Information on applying for disability programs
- Assistance with substance abuse problems and treatment choices
- Abuse and neglect assessment and resource connection
- Facilitate Advance Directives (Living Wills and Health Care Power of Attorney)
- Address End of Life issues
- Assessment and facilitation of guardianship needs
- Assistance with special populations, MR/DD, non-English speaking patients
For more information or to speak with an oncology social worker, contact the OSUCCC – James Social Work Department by calling 614-366-5119.