Social Work & Home Care

Question 1

What is the function of the social work department?

Answer 1

1. Home support
2. Referrals to community health and social services agencies
3. Coordinate community resources
4. Supportive counselling for a range of issues

Question 2

Why might a patient require home care after discharge?

Answer 2

1. Patients who are unable to provide appropriate self care
2. When there is no available caregiver who is willing and able to learn to provide the care
3. If the care needs of the patient require the expertise of a registered nurse for the following:
   - Ostomy care
   - Wound or drainage care
   - Catheter care
   - Home IV
   - Self injection teaching and support
   - Palliative care
   - Time limited IM/SQ injection services

Question 3

When should home care be notified prior to a patients discharge?

Answer 3

24hrs before a patients discharge