Cancer affects many parts of your life, but you don’t have to face these new challenges alone. Whether you need physical, emotional, or social support, our oncology social workers will help you gain access to the services you need.
As members of your health care team, our social workers focus on caring for your emotional and social well-being and can point you, your caregivers, and your family to resources and information to better cope with a cancer diagnosis and the impact that treatment can have on your life.
We assist with:
Psychosocial and emotional support, screening for distress
Providing short-term counseling, emotional support, and crisis intervention for coping with emotions—sadness, anger, worry, and fears
Connecting patients and families with counseling and behavioral health resources when additional support is needed
Providing support groups and information about additional support resources
Addressing how cancer may affect your body image and intimacy
Assisting you in talking with children, family, and employers regarding cancer diagnosis
Support for caregivers and family members throughout diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care
Preparing advanced directives through advance care planning discussions, including completion of durable power of attorney for healthcare, living will, and IPOST (Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment)
Solving issues that arise during treatment
Facilitating discussions about end-of-life care and its impact on you and your family
Supporting throughout Survivorship
We help you navigate your journey:
Accessing information to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment
Enhancing communication between you and your treatment team members
Helping identify and reduce barriers that may interfere with treatment and care
Addressing questions or needs regarding transportation or lodging
Partnering with your care team to make referrals to home health, hospice, nursing home, and assisted living agencies in your communities
Providing referrals to other community resources and agencies that may be available to provide support to you and your families
Assistance in accessing spiritual care and supportive services when desired
We help identify financial resources:
Providing information on insurance and financial navigation (in partnership with Financial Counselors and University of Iowa resources)
Discussing financial assistance resources
Providing information regarding Social Security disability, FMLA, Medicare, and Medicaid
Assist with completing applications and gathering required documentation
Need support?
To reach a social worker, talk to your provider or call: