Astera Cancer Care's Social Work Services offers a range of programs and support to meet the emotional and social needs of cancer patients and their families. Interdisciplinary teams are crucial to ensure a holistic approach to patient challenges. Social Work collaborates closely with our internal team of professionals, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, APPs, patient navigators, nurses, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, schedulers, and front desk staff. We also work closely with patients’ “network of support” – their informal and formal care teams, including families, friends/neighbors, clergy, case managers, home health teams, nutritionists, physical therapists, and mental health providers to ensure collaborative care.
Social Work offers both individual psychotherapy and support groups to help patients reduce disease-related anxiety, improve mood, and limit the impact of medical-related issues on day-to-day functioning. Our support groups run in 10-12 week sessions and help patients feel more connected to others who are experiencing similar physical symptoms, emotional stress, and difficulty managing. These support groups also help patients learn strategies to process their medical journey, identify potentially irrational, unhelpful/harmful thoughts, communicate their needs to loved ones, manage personal expectations, feel less alone, and experience more positive feelings.
Social Work facilitates a bi-monthly wellness program to teach patients the best relaxation and stress reduction practices, including meditation and mindfulness. For the 2nd half of 2023, we will continue with these fabulous programs and add more support groups and educational programs to address patients' inquiries and needs.
Additionally, Social Work is vital in identifying barriers to patients' care and social determinants of health. Social Workers at Astera offer individual assistance in applying for community-based resources (including Meals on Wheels, food pantries, and home care), government benefits (such as temporary or permanent disability, SNAP/food stamps, and Medicaid), and financial assistance for day-to-day expenses to reduce financial burden.
Astera's Social Work Services are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all patients; the staff includes bilingual Spanish/English professionals. LanguageLine provides interpretation services in over 70 languages for those who prefer a language other than Spanish. In-person American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services can also be requested for in-office appointments with just one day's notice. Additionally, patients can customize the captioning of web-based programs to their preferred language.
Social Work appointments include both in-person and telehealth options. The office hours are typically 8:00 am-5:00 pm, but Astera works with patients to develop a schedule that works for them. All of Astera's offices are ADA-compliant, and the department works with patients and their networks of support to help them get to appointments when transportation is a barrier. For more information on Social Work Services, please contact Social.Work@asterahealthcare.org or 732-853-1038.
Those who have or are currently participating in Social Work Services have had a rewarding and positive experience and are thankful for the services they have been provided.