Social Services may be of assistance if there is suspected neglect or abuse of an adult or child. Social Services can make referrals and coordinate assistance for patients with other needs such as: caregiver support, blind services, legal aide, mental health issues, substance abuse, consumer affairs, child care needs, disability services, employment training, and family counseling, just to name a few.
Emotional, Psychological, Economic and Spiritual factors all contribute to health and well-being. When even one of these are deficit, chances for recovery from illness or injury are decreased. At FIHC, our dedicated Social Services Department staff works with our patients through collaborative efforts with discharge planners, physicians, case managers, and community resource agencies to assess and address needs through available community based Social Service resources.
A home based Medical Social Services referral is appropriate if the patient has a need for one or more skilled services, such as nursing or physical therapy and the patient is:
- Unable to get transportation to follow-up medical appointments
- Living in an unsafe, unaffordable, or unsanitary housing
- Unable to cook and/or purchase food
- Without health insurance coverage