How can social workers help vets with problems & concerns?

• Assessment: The first step is generally for the social worker to meet with you, and often with your family. The social worker will ask you questions about your health, your living situation, your family and other support systems, your military experience and the things you think you need help with. The social worker will then write an assessment that will help you and your VA health care team make treatment plans.

• Crisis intervention: In a crisis situation, social workers can provide counseling services to help you get through the crisis. The social worker will then help you with more long-term needs.The social worker can help you apply for services and programs in your community and through the VA to meet emergent needs.

• High-risk screening: Social workers work closely with those veterans who are at high risk, such as those who are homeless, those who have been admitted to the hospital several times, and those who cannot care for themselves any longer.

• Discharge planning: When you are admitted to a VA hospital, the social worker will help you make plans for your discharge back home or to the community. If you need services in your home or if you can no longer live at home by yourself, the social worker can help you make arrangements for the help you need.

• Case management: Social workers often provide long-term case management services to veterans who are at high risk of being admitted to a hospital, those who have very complex medical problems, and those who need additional help and support. They are available when needed to provide and coordinate a variety of services you may need.

• Counseling: Social workers are available to counsel with you and your family regarding your concerns, stresses and losses. Counseling may be provided individually or in groups.

• Advocacy: Sometimes it can be hard for a veteran to speak up for himself or herself. And sometimes veterans are confused by such a big, bureaucratic agency like the VA. Social workers can advocate for you and go to bat for you when you have a hard time doing it by yourself.

• Education: Social workers can help educate you and your family about your health care condition, what services and programs are available to you, how you can live a more healthy life, how you can deal with stress and loss, and how you can find support groups and other self-help programs in your community.
  
  VA social workers can help you with all of these types of services, plus many, many more. If you have a problem or a question, you can ask a social worker. We're here to help.
  
  QUESTIONS.... PLEASE CALL THE SOCIAL WORK OFFICE AT (513) 475-6329