Cancer Care
Oncology Social Work

Additional stress is often felt during the process of adjusting to an illness. Stress may be related to the disruption in daily routine, the treatment involved, health, financial or other concerns.

With Mountain State Tumor Institue (MSTI) Oncology Social Work, a social worker is available to work with patients, families and/or support persons with their individual concerns. Patients, families and/or support persons may be seen individually or together by the social worker.

St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute has a staff of licensed professional social workers who provide comprehensive psychosocial (emotional, social, psychological) services and programs to patients and their families. Oncology social workers are knowledgeable about cancer and the various effects it can have on patients and families. Social work services can include individual and/or family counseling, education, advocacy, care management, and financial assistance.

Oncology social workers are available to patients and families through all phases of treatment, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, terminal care and bereavement.

Oncology social work also provides a number of educational and support groups. These programs are designed to foster coping, provide social and emotional support, and assist in navigating through health care systems to achieve quality care.

You can contact a social worker at the following MSTI clinics:

Boise (208)381-2760 or toll free at: (800)845-4624
Meridian (208)706-1404 or toll free at: (800)473-0331
Nampa (208)463-6009 or toll free at: (800)553-6415
Twin Falls (208)737-2441 or toll free at: (800)947-4852
Fruitland (208)452-7677 or toll free at: (800)473-9618

Emotional Support

Emotional support topics include:

• Strategies for better communication
• Enhancing self-esteem
• Body image
• Helping patient, family and/or support person adapt to changes while caring for someone with cancer
• Providing strength during crisis
• Information and emotional support for children
• Coping with changes

A supportive atmosphere is provided so that patients, families and/or support persons can feel free to express their feelings and discuss needs and concerns. The opportunity to ventilate feelings can aid in the coping process. Social workers are available to assist patients in communicating their needs to others. They will also help you find reasonable approaches to other problems you may be facing.

Social Services

The Oncology Social Work staff provide insurance, financial and housing assistance with short term referrals to community agencies such as:

• Social Security
• American Cancer Society
• Health & Welfare
• Leukemia Society
• Senior Citizens Groups
• Meals on Wheels
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Home Health Agencies

Support Group Services

 

In addition to individual counseling, support groups are available at MSTI. The purpose of support groups is to provide an opportunity for individuals to share experiences with others in similar situations. Those participating in the groups find that sharing experiences is not only helpful in getting through a difficult period, but also is a source of ongoing support.

For information on other support groups available in Treasure Valley, please see the display in the Patient Resource Center, drop by the Oncology Social Work offices or call (208) 381-2760 or 1-800-845-4624.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. They provide information and questions to ask your physician. Their web site (www.cancer.org) contains valuable resources including prevention and risk factors, treatment methods, detection guidelines, and patient services that help cancer patients and their families. To reach them, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

National Cancer Institute

Cancer information specialists are available to help patients formulate questions to review with their physician, explain terminology and provide informational material. Contact 1-800-4-CANCER.

For more information about social work at St. Luke's , see Social Work Services at St. Luke's