Social Workers - What Do They Do?

What do Social Worker's do? Well for starters they help me to keep my sanity!

Let's start with the VA Social Worker, Mary. Her diligence in ensuring that all the required paperwork was faxed to the right people. Checking my parents income level and making arrangements for free ambulance transport of my father to the nursing home. Her patience and gentle questioning to obtain the needed information from two very elderly and confused parents should set her up for sainthood in my book.

When I spoke to her about her job she was hesitant to take credit for her actions. Her attitude being one that the veterans earned the care and benefits afforded to them. Her job was just to be sure they received them.

Did you know that there are Social Worker's who's only job is to deal with the financial aspects of their clients. County Social Servcies have Financial Social Workers who assist elders with the confusion of Medicare, Medicaid, and the over 47 prescription drug plans that seek to sign them up. You can find a Social Worker in your area through the Wisconsin Dept. of Health and Family Services.

"Julie" the County Social Worker that works with my mother, listens patiently while my mother sorts through stacks of papers to find the one that confused her. Right now it's the MedicareRX plan. Julie will have my mother mail the paperwork to her, where she will sort through it, making inquiries and doing research. She will then call my mother and patiently explain each step. She is currently working to ensure that my mother will not lose my father's Social Security income while he is in the nursing home.