Social worker / care coordination

What it is

A social worker helps patients and families address the practical, emotional, and resource-related challenges of facing a glioma, and supports the coordination of care. They connect people with services and support and help navigate financial and logistical difficulties that arise during illness.

Understanding Social worker / care coordination

A serious diagnosis brings not only medical challenges but practical and emotional ones, and social workers are trained to help with these. Their role can include providing emotional support and counseling to patients and families, connecting them with resources (such as support groups, community services, transportation, and assistance programs), helping with practical matters (such as navigating insurance, financial assistance, work or school issues, and family responsibilities), supporting care coordination and communication, and assisting with planning (including, when relevant, advance care planning and end-of-life support). Social workers help reduce the burden and stress that families face, allowing them to focus more on their loved one and themselves. They are important members of the multidisciplinary team and a valuable resource that patients and families may not realize is available. Understanding the social worker's role clarifies the professional who helps with the practical and emotional aspects of facing a glioma.

Why it matters

Understanding the social worker's role helps patients and families know who can help with the practical, emotional, and resource challenges of a glioma — connecting them with support and easing the burden so they can focus on what matters most.