The Vital Role of Social Workers in Cancer Care
March is Social Work Month
3/28/2024
Jenifer Boettcher-Beyer, Aspirus Social Worker
At the heart of
Aspirus Cancer Care – Wausau lies a dedicated team of cancer care experts. In
addition to board-certified oncologists, the comprehensive team is comprised of
additional caregivers, including dedicated social workers who support patients
in the battle against cancer. Jenifer Boettcher-Beyer, a seasoned social worker
with nearly 24 years of experience, shares insights into the pivotal role they
play in helping patients navigate the complex challenges of living with cancer.
While medical
providers focus on treating the patient’s physical health, the oncology social
work team addresses the vital aspect of mental health.
A significant part
of the role involves providing emotional support and connecting patients with
resources.
“The social work
team here helps patients in a variety of ways," Jenifer explains. "We
help patients get connected to essential services such as durable medical
equipment, home health, nutrition support, and overcoming barriers to
transportation."
One important aspect
of their work is conducting psychosocial screenings to identify and address
patients' emotional well-being, including symptoms of depression.
"Many of our
patients don't recognize that they need the assistance of a social worker as,
often, there is a negative stigma attached to it," Jenifer notes.
"However, once we reach out to the patient, we find that 100 percent of
them are very pleased with our outreach."
She adds, “Changing
perspectives and reducing negative self-talk can make a significant difference
in their journey."
Being a social
worker in cancer care is more than a profession; it's a calling to make a
meaningful impact in the lives of those facing immense challenges.
"This is the
first time in my career that I'm working with a population that truly wants,
needs, and appreciates the role of a social worker," Jenifer reflects.
"It's fulfilling to help people during a challenging time when everything
feels out of their control."
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