The social worker doesn’t even call back. Twice I’ve requested help. She never responds. What should I do?

You must seek another social worker asap.

I would have started a long time ago looking for someone else. Maybe she left her position for another some place else. Maybe she has a case load that is to much for her to handle. There are a number of reasons and time for you to move on. Yes call the doctor and the hospital where you are receiving treatment and tell them your situation.

As a social worker, I am appalled that she has not returned your calls. I would call the doctor's office and ask to speak to her supervisor and explain the situation. They should be able to have another social worker contact you to help you with your situation. I'm wondering if there has been staff turn9ver in the off8ce and perhaps she resigned. In any event, contact the office to address the situation. If she is receiving care in the hospital oncology unit as an outpatient, the unit may also be able to contact a social worker assist you. It shouldn't be this difficult to find help. I wish I could help you.

This unfortunately is the way of the world nowadays and it uber frustrating as this kind of thing happens to me, it happens to my boss, my friends...so it is not isolated case. I would definitely talk to your DR because if she is affiliated with him and this is the service she is providing he needs to find someone else to work with, this is poor work ethic. Your Dr might be able to refer you to another person. I would start there first...if that doesn’t work, see who else is covered under your insurance and start switching companies.

You rang her once, four to six months ago. You've now rung twice again, recently - does recently mean, within the last three weeks, say?

What message did you leave? And what sort of support are you enquiring about?

I should call your doctor and ask what to do. My first guess is that the SW is rushed off her feet, and that a client who called once over four months ago is not absolutely top of her list right now; but of course I don't know - maybe it's even just a question of using a different telephone number, or something as simple as that.

There should be no reason the caseworker hasn’t returned your call from months ago. I have found that they are not the most organized bunch, simply because they are so overworked. That is not an excuse, however. You should call the doctor and request a different person, and be sure to explain why. Hopefully, the doctor’s office will call themselves and get things moving for you.

Call your local hospice. If the situation isn't appropriate for them to handle/help with at this point, at least maybe they could put a call in on your behalf which might get their attention. I'd let the MD know since it appears they linked you. I'd ask at the MD's office what the deal is and confirm you have the right number/extension etc. although by now I'm guessing that's confirmed. Very odd for a social worker to be that unresponsive unless there's more to the story than we know...

Go up the "chain of command" and speak to their supervisor. If that doesn't exist, then, hire a different one and notify the first that their services are no longer needed. I would also notify the doctor who recommended her that she is not returning phone calls. Are you sure that the number you are calling is correct?

I would imagine the SW is focused on our current pandemic but should at least call to say so. Is the SW affiliated with the Cancer Center, MD or other? Maybe you need a private Geriatric Care Manager, they are generally MSWs, RNs. Yes they are paid private however can answer all your questions, develop a plan you can follow based on the needs Assessment. You can go to Aging Life Care to search for one in your area and learn more.
Does Mom have Medicaid or any long term care insurance? These could potentially pay for non medical caregivers in the home. Is she or her husband (X, passed or living) a veteran to apply for VA Aid and Attendance for spouses? It does take time but may be worth the application. A Geriatric Care Manager can help with all this and will identify any possible assistance available.
If this is an absolute no go, the Medical Social Worker or Oncology Social Worker associated with the MD would be knowledgeable in your mom's diagnosis and medical issues and can provide additional education and support in addition to resources. I would call the MD or the cancer center and speak to the Director if Social Services or Case/Care Management. Other than the current pandemic, I do find it odd that the SW has not called you back in that many months. Is the SW part time or per diem?

In situations like this I always try to assume there is some sort of emergency keeping the person from responding... and then I reach out to his/her supervisor for assistance. If indeed it is some sort of crisis, the supervisor will already know about it and will be expecting to help, or the problem will be addressed. But either way, your job is to get information to help with the needs of your loved one. You can be compassionate to the human being that is supposed to be helping you, but you don't have to sit patiently waiting for business to be handled when it's not getting done.

You can request a back-up person. Hopefully the problem is only temporary. Whoever you get, it might be good to request a back-up person.

Call her supervisor ... then their boss!

Do you have a "My Chart" associated with this drs office? This is how I talk to my oncologist remotely. I send in a question and during the day it is dealt with and I've never had to do more than one question.

Likely your SW is handling sicker patients right now, and while that is what s/he should be doing, no doubt you feel left out.

You can ask for a different SW, but these times are calling for all of us to be patient and tolerant.

Glad gave you good advice. Depending on Moms income, she may be able to get help thru Medicaid. And this "is" the responsibility of the Social Worker, to help you find the resources for Mom's needs.

You need to call the doctor who set this up and tell him the SW is not returning calls.

Call the Area Agency on Aging. Government funded maybe they will get back with you. They will also do a needs assessment for mom to see what level of care is necessary.

Just read your response. I think you need to call the Drs office and probably should have the first time she didn't return ur call.

My question is though, what can a SW do if Mom having problems medically. They are not Nurses. They are more experienced in finding resources you may need. Helping with paperwork.

I do agree, that she should have returned ur call even if she is not the person you should talk to. If this Dr. is paying for her services, he needs to know that she is returning calls.

Ask for a different social worker.

It should not be this hard to get the courtesy of a return phone call.

You should not have to tolerate being ignored when facing cancer.

May God give your mom a complete healing from the cancer. Hugs!

"I am caring for my mother Bobbie , living at home with anxiety, cancer, depression, and mobility problems." Based on your profile, if your or your loved one's need is not an emergency - and by emergency I mean actual life and death - it's going to have to wait. I suspect the social worker is dealing with a lot right now.

I’m so lucky. The social worker at my husband’s facility is super conscientious. Could you find out when the social, worker is at the facility and make a personal visit to track him/her down? You’d be hard to ignore in person!

With this virus all things are slowed down. Just try to back pAtient.