Month pays tribute to region's social workers

Since 1984, March has officially been designated by the National Association of Social Workers as a month to acknowledge and recognize the contributions to the quality of life made by America's more than half a million social workers. Often working behind the scenes, social workers are trained to address problems that some can't or others hope will simply go away.

Social workers help all types of people at every stage of life from adoption to hospice care. Social workers in hospice provide a wide range of services and support, depending on each patient and family's needs. Hospice social workers are masterful experts in coordinating services people need. Dedicated to the promotion of dignity, autonomy and the protection of rights, hospice social workers specialize in helping patients and families work through the many changes that occur as our loved ones' health declines, with a focus on respecting and supporting the patient's wishes. The hospice social worker is present to assist the patient and family to manage: the changing roles within the family unit; difficulties with coping; added responsibilities to family members; major decisions concerning care of the patient; increased concerns about financial matters; legal issues regarding advanced directives; funeral planning and grief support.

Bonner Community Hospice social workers Lesa Huff, Pat Nilson and Brent Sisson … on behalf of the many patients and families you have supported, I thank you and honor you for your commitment to excellence.

DEBRA KELLERMAN, director

Bonner Community Hospice