Social Work at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital
Compassionate Support When You Need It Most
At Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, our Social Workers are a vital part of your healthcare team, dedicated to helping you and your loved ones navigate the challenges that can arise from illness or life-altering conditions. Our Social Work Department is here to provide you with comprehensive support, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed to manage your healthcare journey.
How Our Social Workers Can Assist You
Discharge Planning: Our Social Workers assist with all aspects of discharge planning, helping you secure durable medical equipment, financial assistance, home health services, and other community resources. Whether you need home physical or occupational therapy, hospice care, home-delivered meals, or home safety evaluations, we are here to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home.
Community Referrals: We connect you with vital services in our area, offering information on physician referrals, long-term care and rehabilitation centers, Adult Foster Care, children’s healthcare, specialty clinics, and more. We also provide guidance on financial and transportation assistance, support groups, mental health and counseling resources, child care, and educational programs.
Advance Directives: Your wishes matter. Our Social Workers support your right to document your medical treatment preferences and designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if needed. We provide clear instructions and guidance to help you complete an advance directive with confidence.
Psychosocial Assessment: We work closely with you and your family to identify effective coping mechanisms, leveraging your strengths and resources to manage the psychosocial aspects of your illness. Our goal is to help you maintain emotional well-being during your healthcare journey.
Crisis Intervention: In times of medical crisis, our Social Workers are here to provide immediate support. We assist you and your family in making informed decisions, offering the guidance you need to navigate challenging situations.
Long-Term Care Support: For residents in long-term care, our Social Workers play a crucial role in enhancing their experience. From assisting with the adjustment phase to developing psychosocial and behavioral care plans, we are committed to supporting both residents and their families. We also assist with discharge planning, bereavement support, guardianship, and connecting you with essential community resources.
Contact Our Social Work Department
We are here to help, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Contact: Tracy Paramski, LBSW
tracy.paramski@hnjh.org
906.293.9223
Resources:
File of Life
Medical Identification Program
At Helen Newberry Joy Hospital & Healthcare Center, we are committed to your safety and well-being. The File of Life medical identification program is a simple yet powerful tool designed to provide emergency personnel with critical medical information when you may be unable to communicate during a medical emergency.
How the File of Life Works:
Participating in the File of Life program is straightforward and can make a significant difference in an emergency. Here’s how you can get started:
- Pick Up Your Packet: Visit Helen Newberry Joy Hospital to pick up your free File of Life packet, available at the Information Desk located at the main Hospital entrance.
- Complete Your Medical Information Card: Fill out the provided card with essential medical details, including your name, emergency contacts, current medications and dosages, allergies, recent surgeries, your doctor’s name, and any medical conditions.
- Place Your File in a Visible Spot: Insert your completed medical information card into the magnetic File of Life envelope and place it on your refrigerator door. This is where emergency personnel know to look for it.
- Alert Emergency Personnel: Affix the two self-adhesive File of Life labels to your home’s front and back doors to alert emergency responders of your participation in the program. This ensures that your critical medical information is quickly retrieved and communicated to hospital staff.
For households with multiple residents, each individual should complete their own File of Life to ensure that everyone’s medical information is available when needed.
Who Should Use the File of Life?
While originally designed for individuals living alone, those with disabilities, senior citizens, or anyone with special medical conditions, the File of Life is beneficial for everyone. Taking a few moments to prepare your File of Life can be an essential step in protecting your health and well-being.
Stay Updated
Life changes, and so should your File of Life. Regularly check and update your information to ensure it remains accurate and up-to-date. If you need a new medical information card or have any questions, please contact our Patient Advocate at 906.293.9223.