Social Work

The Social Work Department is staffed by professionally qualified Social Workers to assist you and your family when serious illness and disability occurs.

Social Workers at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team and provide a range of services for inpatient units and community programs.

All services are confidential and are offered under the core values of the Little Company of Mary, which are hospitality, healing, respect, stewardship and respect.

SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

The social work department provides services to the Neurological and Palliative Care Units. Social Work services include provision of the following

Emotional Support & Counselling

Assisting with issues of grief and loss
Adjustment to illness, trauma and disability
Managing feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation
Individual and family issues
Pre and post admission issues
Changes in lifestyle
Discharge issues
Referral to a range of counselling services for ongoing support

Disability and Aged Care Co-ordination

Includes DVA patients
All transfers to other accommodation i.e., hostels, nursing homes, supported residential care units
All issues related to disability and aged care
Psychosocial assessments
Discharge planning
Community referrals
Education

Practical Assistance

Assistance can be provided to explore a range of options such as:

Home support and respite services
Accommodation options
Financial issues
Referral to legal services regarding a range of issues such as Enduring Powers of Attorney, Wills, and Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal

Advocacy

Ensuring that an individual’s needs and rights are recognised
Assisting with access to a range of organisations and agencies

Case Management and Conferencing

Working with multidisciplinary team and community agencies to obtain best practice outcomes
Arranging and facilitating family meetings and case conferences
Working with caregivers to achieve optimal outcomes for patient and their support system

Discharge Planning

Social Workers are available to assist in helping make a smooth transition from hospital to the community
Providing information and referral to a range of services
Working in-conjunction with multidisciplinary team to facilitate the discharge

CONSULTANCY SERVICE

The Social Work services can be contracted privately to other health care facilities.

UNDERGRADUATE PLACEMENTS

The Social Work Department offers student placements to 3rd and 4th year Social Work students through the Combined Schools of Social Work program.

The Social Work Department operates from Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm.

Contact can be made via reception on (03) 9596 2853.