Your Renal Social Worker

  
Here are some frequently asked questions by many families and patients that we hope can help you.
 
How can Nephrology Social Workers help you?

Nephrology Social Workers may assist patients and families with:

Education about:

  • Functioning with Renal Disease
  • Process of decision-making regarding options of treatments for Kidney Failure including conservative management.
  • Advance directives
  • Patient rights and responsibilities
  • Role of the Kidney Foundation

Information about:

  • Drug coverage
  • Canada Pension Disability
  • help with information and applications on Provincial Disability Support Programs
  • Medical Transportation
  • Subsidized housing
  • Employment
  • Education

Counselling for:

  • The emotional and psychological factors in coping with a Chronic Illness
  • Adapting to the impact of the illness with family, friends, leisure, work and lifestyle changes
  • Crisis intervention and management
  • Issues around sexuality
  • Stress management
  • Anticipatory grief

Referrals to:

  • Community Care Access Centre (Homecare)
  • Supportive housing
  • Placement in retirement/nursing homes
  • Social services
  • Community resources
  • Peer support
  • Kidney Foundation         

 
When Would it Be Helpful to Talk with A Nephrology Social Worker?

People often benefit from speaking with a Social Worker about:

  • Fears & concerns related to illness and treatment
  • Grief and loss
  • Stress and caregiver stress
  • Parenting Issues
  • Relationships and family issues
  • Issues related to physical, emotional or sexual abuse
  • Issues related to financial concerns
  • Effective coping strategies
  • Challenges to managing one's illness
  • thoughts about whether or not to continue with dialysis