Social Work

Having a complex illness can impact relationships, social contacts, work and income, and housing. Patients and their loved ones can turn to our social workers with questions, problems, or concerns related to their condition.

Together with the patient, the social worker defines the help request and develops a plan of action. The goal is to enhance the patient's and their family's self-reliance and self-confidence. The progress of the support is communicated back to the treating specialist.

Sometimes, further referral is necessary—either to our behavioral scientists or to outpatient support outside of Kempenhaeghe. The latter occurs when the issue is unrelated to the medical condition.

As an additional service from the Social Work department, the staff at Advice & Information (located in the central hall of the main building at Kempenhaeghe) are knowledgeable about the services and resources patients are entitled to. They are familiar with the procedures for accessing organizations such as municipalities, health insurance companies, benefits agencies, etc. No referral is required for this service. Patients can visit freely, without the need to schedule an appointment.