Social Worker

Short Description

The social worker helps you and your caregiver prepare for surgery and the weeks after. They focus on coping, practical planning, and connecting you with resources.

Main Priorities

• Build a realistic caregiver plan (rides, help at home, backups).
• Screen for stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use; offer tools and referrals.
• Guide work/benefits paperwork (FMLA, disability) and clinic documentation needs.
• Connect you with transportation, lodging, and community support resources.
• Teach what to expect emotionally before and after surgery.

Issues They Work With

• Caregiver burnout risk, family conflict, or limited support at home.
• Practical barriers to appointments (childcare, distance, time off).
• Financial stress that impacts adherence (they coordinate with finance as needed).
• Grief, fear, or past trauma that may flare around surgery.

When to Go to Them

• During evaluation to set up support plans and review resources.
• When stress or logistics could delay surgery or follow-up.
• Any time forms, employer letters, or school notes are needed.
• If you or your caregiver feel overwhelmed and need rapid support.

What They Don’t Handle (Boundaries)

• Medical decisions or medication changes — handled by the clinical team.
• Insurance authorizations and cost estimates — financial coordinator.
• Emergency mental health care — use your center’s urgent process or 911.