Disease and trauma entail changes in life for both patients and their families. Patients may face new and unfamiliar situations and social workers may offer support in such situations.
Social workers are available through all hospital departments and apply a holistic approach to people. Through their social and psychological efforts, social workers aim to provide the best possible health and well-being for patients who are under work-up, treatment, and care at Karolinska University Hospital.
When a family member is afflicted with disease or injury, close relatives may experience anxiety and face practical issues that need to be resolved or discussed. In such situations, a social worker may be of assistance.
Social workers offer support and can help resolve practical issues if necessary. For more information you may contact a social worker through the department where your relative is under care.
When a child becomes severely ill or afflicted by a chronic disease, the life situation of the entire family is impacted. You can turn to a social worker for support and help to deal with the stress that arises in such situations. Our objective is to minimize the negative impact on the entire family while the child is ill and under treatment.
Parents may also need an opportunity for counseling without the children being present.
After an extended period of illness or following an injury, support and help from various sources may be required to facilitate the return to normal routine living. Social workers provide support during rehabilitation.
Anyone can be affected by a crisis when major life changes occur. Short- or long-term counseling may often be of help in a difficult situation and may be required to find the strength to continue. The Department of Social Work offers broad expertise in counseling for patients and close family members at Karolinska University Hospital.
We provide guidance and information when questions arise with respect to community resources.