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Community Resources/Social Work
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Patient Education
The NMH Regional Cancer Center maintains an extensive library of cancer information located adjacent to our lobby. We have materials for your use from the American Cancer Society, Cancer Care, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Livestrong, Lance Armstrong foundation information, and others. Your nurse also can provide you with materials about treatment, chemotherapy drugs and managing your symptoms.
Social Work Support
Our social work team provides care/services to patients, families and caregivers at the Regional Cancer Center.
The following social work services are available:
- Psychosocial Assessment of New Patients
Cancer patients are a diverse group whose lifestyles and pre-existing issues may have significant impact on their ability to cope with the disease process. Screening and assessment of individual psychosocial needs are crucial to developing a care plan that meets the specific concerns of each patient and their family.
- On-going Counseling (for at-risk patients)
Literature suggests that there are three crucial points of high distress for cancer patients over the disease continuum. These occur at initial diagnosis, at recurrence or progression of the disease, and at the terminal stage.
- Support Groups
- The CARES Support Group: a weekly support group for patients and their
families.
- Financial Counseling
- Financial assessment and advisement available for the following programs:
- ConnPACE: Connecticut Prescription Drug Program
- SAGA/Medicaid: Medical/financial assistance for the indigent.
- Medigap Info: Assess Medicare patients eligibility for Medigap insurance
- Community Resources:
- New Milford VNA Hospice Team
- American Cancer Society
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
- Cancer Care
- The American Red Cross
- CT Society for Oncology Social Workers
- New Milford Thrift Mart - local resource for indigent patients
- Information and Referral
- Complementary Therapies
- Educational Programs - Quarterly information bulletin "Social Work News" distributed at the Regional Cancer Center details current programs
- End-of-Life Planning
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