The Vital Role of Social Workers in Hospice Care

Honoring Social Workers Month in March

At Gilchrist, hospice care is about more than just medical support—it’s about providing emotional, psychological, and practical guidance to patients and their families during one of life’s most profound transitions. At the heart of this support system are hospice social workers, whose compassion and expertise help bring comfort and dignity to those facing the end of life.

As we celebrate Social Workers Month in March, we recognize the dedicated professionals who stand beside patients and families, offering guidance, advocacy, and a listening ear.

The Role of Social Workers in Hospice Care

Hospice social workers at Gilchrist play a vital role in:

• Providing emotional support – Helping patients and families process the grief, fear, and uncertainty that can come with a terminal diagnosis.
• Advocating for patients’ needs – Ensuring that patients receive the care they want and deserve, while also helping families navigate complex decisions.
• Connecting families with resources – Assisting with everything from financial and legal concerns to funeral planning and legacy-building.
• Offering grief counseling – Supporting loved ones before and after loss, recognizing that grief is a deeply personal journey.

As Angel Keil, Clinical Social Worker at Gilchrist beautifully puts it, “Social workers are an essential part of hospice care because we provide emotional support, advocacy, and assistance to patients and their families—helping them navigate complex (and at times difficult) decisions, manage their emotions, and connect with resources. At the end of the day, we all just want to be cared for and loved. As a member of the hospice team, I feel so incredibly honored to provide that.”

Compassion and Connection at Life’s End

Hospice social work is about meeting patients and families where they are, offering support in whatever way they need. Angela Jones, Clinical Social Worker at Gilchrist, reflects on the honor of this work, “Going into the homes of our patients and their families means a lot to me. People are at their most vulnerable, and for them to allow us in and share the time they have left with us is immeasurable. There are no do-overs, so when we show up, we should be the best version of ourselves that we can be.”

This emotional connection is what makes hospice social work so impactful. Rebecca Claycomb, Clinical Social Worker at Gilchrist, shares, “Each day, I have an opportunity to connect with patients and their families. I listen to people share their favorite stories and memories, help them make sense of all they are feeling, and walk beside them at this time of transition. Human connection gives life meaning and purpose.”

Bringing Light in Difficult Moments

Beyond practical and emotional support, hospice social workers bring a sense of presence and peace. Maureen Hulse, Gilchrist Clinical Counselor, describes the privilege of this work, “It is a gift to be welcomed by a patient and family into the vulnerable, private space of their hospice journey. It gives me the opportunity to honor and celebrate their life and all the ways they have touched others.”

Sometimes, even in the heaviness of end-of-life care, social workers find ways to bring lightness. Chelsea Rubin, Clinical Social Worker at Gilchrist, shares her approach:
“Being a hospice social worker is more than just helping families find resources; it is about being a supportive presence. I also aim to bring lightness through therapeutic humor when appropriate to help ease the weight of the moment.”

A Lasting Impact

The work of a hospice social worker is deeply rewarding. Dawn Linthicum, Clinical Social Worker at Gilchrist, reflects, “It’s an honor to provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of peace as families navigate the end-of-life journey. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing I’ve helped someone find meaning, closure, or relief in their final days.”

At Gilchrist, our social workers do so much more than provide services—they provide presence, care, and constant support during life’s most difficult moments. This Social Workers Month, we celebrate and thank each and every social worker who makes a difference in the lives of our patients and families. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.