Navigating End-of-Life Issues with Clients: An Overview for Social Workers
End-of-life issues are a part of life we will all encounter whether prepared or not. The social work profession is in a unique position to promote positive and factual understanding while demystifying societal fears surrounding matters of life and death. Social workers who are informed about end-of-life issues empower their clients and the general public to move beyond preconceived ideas toward sustainable action that will meet long term goals helping reduce their fears of the future.
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Assist their clients to identify and address fears and concerns about future events as they relate to end-of-life issues.
2. Assist clients to navigate multiple agencies/end-of-life industries through collaborative community referrals.
I. Moving Beyond Procrastination - Knowledge Provides Courage to Act (15 minutes)
Throughout the Scriptures there is an underlying theme encouraging the reader to, "Get everything in order because a time is coming..."
II. Exploring Individual Needs and Demystifying Personal Fears (15 minutes)
Scriptures encourage us to "Cast all of your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:35)
III. Professional Collaborations and Community Referrals (30 minutes)
Overview the roles and responsibilities of attorneys, medical providers, insurance, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, and funeral directors as they related to end-of-life issues
Julie Griffin is a per diem Medical Social Worker with Vitas Innovative Hospice Care in the Inland Empire. She attended Loma Linda University earning a graduate Case Management Certificate (2005), her MSW (2006), and a masters degree in Gerontology (2007). She also is employed by the California Dept of Transportation as a Transportation Engineering Technician in Traffic Operations. Julie is an active participant in Toastmasters International, NACSW, NASW, and the NCBW. Her eclectic blending of social work, social justice, and analytical skills provides an entertaining educational experience.