One of the main duties of your social worker is to help you and your family learn how to cope with kidney disease. At FSRDC, our goal is to do that.
Each patient has an interdisciplinary team providing your care. One member of that team is a social worker who is available to assist you with questions, concerns and needs you may have. We understand that this is all new and a bit scary and worrisome. As social workers we are here to assist in this transition in your life and that of your family. The social worker assigned to your team is always a phone call, email or request away. Some of the issues your social worker can help with include:
- Questions about how this dialysis thing all works;
- How do I get Medicare started, Medicaid;
- Help with assistance for medications;
- Questions about transportation;
- Referrals for assistance with utilities and other needs;
- An ear to listen to your fears, anxiety, frustration.
Additionally, your social worker will be seeing you periodically to do psychosocial assessments to help determine what the team needs to plan to help you with services to achieve the very best outcome for you and your health. We encourage you and your family to reach out to us with any questions or needs. We are here for you.
Elaine Brecher, LMSW Van Buren Dialysis Center and Poteau Dialysis Center 479-262-5710
Chelsie Vanek, LMSW Fort Smith Regional Dialysis Center 479-755-6727
Bridget Wall, LMSW Fort Smith Regional Dialysis Center 479-755-6722
Visit FSRDC’s Services tab for more information: https://www.fsdialysis.com/Services/Social-Workers