Dealing with an illness can be a very difficult time for patients and their loved ones. At UCSF Medical Center, experienced and sensitive social workers and case managers in our Case Management and Social Work department are available to assist patients and their families cope with the many psychological and social problems that may arise when facing an illness, hospitalization and medical treatment.

Our social workers act as patient advocates by serving as counselors, helping to find resources and solving problems. When medically necessary, social workers also help to arrange alternate levels of care for patients after leaving the hospital, which may include rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospice or board and care homes. Any concerns related to the psychological, practical or social well being of each patient or their loved ones may be discussed openly with our social workers.

Our social workers and case managers offer a wide range of services, including:

• Discharge planning for patients after they leave the hospital
• Answering questions related to health insurance, Medi-cal, Medicare, social security and state disability
• Case coordination to help you to decide on the best arrangements for you when you leave the hospital
• Psychosocial evaluations and treatment planning
• Supportive and adjustment counseling, including coping with the loss of a loved one
• Crisis intervention
• Financial assessment and referral services
• Referrals to support groups for patients and their loved ones
• Abuse assessment and reporting
• Education and consultative services
• Advance Directive assistance
• Community resources

Assistance from registered nurse case managers who can arrange home health care and home hospice, as well as help set up durable medical equipment in patients' homes, also is available.