Care Dimensions Social Worker Jennifer Sheng meets with a hospice patient at home. (Photo taken prior to COVID-19 pandemic.)

Hospice Social Work: A Calling That Satisfies

In observance of Social Work Month, two Care Dimensions social workers, Jennifer Sheng and Jackie Butler, discuss what attracted them to their profession, lessons learned, and what they’ve found fulfilling about hospice social work. And because we all could use something to make us smile, they each share a favorite patient care moment.

Why did you become a hospice social worker?

Jennifer Sheng - Ever since I was young, I wanted to be a therapist. I had an initial interest in psychology, but I was drawn to social work for its holistic approach to care. This became clear to me when working in a residential psychiatry unit where the focus was on treating people as people, instead of seeing them as “ill” or “sick.”

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and as a result, I was raised with a deep respect and appreciation for my elders. Not only did they teach me how to bowl and play bridge, but I enjoyed hearing about their greatest triumphs, deepest sorrows, and especially how those experiences culminated into the amazing people I loved. I saw that getting older was something to be cherished.

Once I decided to pursue my master’s degree in social work, I knew I wanted a career that combined physical and mental well-being. My school offered a dual certificate program in gerontology and behavioral medicine, and hospice was a natural fit.

Jackie Butler - I’ve always loved talking and connecting with people, learning about who they are and hearing their stories. This curiosity made social work a great fit for me. I’ve also found issues of death and dying interesting. I’ve wondered how psych-social and spiritual factors can have such an important impact on someone’s end-of-life journey. Being a caretaker for my mother who suffered with a very slow progressing form of ALS solidified my desire to help patients and families navigate the challenges of living with life-limiting illness.

What are some lessons you’ve learned as a hospice social worker?

Jennifer - I’ve learned that there is no “correct” end-of-life experience. I’ve been with hundreds of patients and their families through that journey, and each of them have been as unique as the individuals themselves. Some patients want to be at home surrounded by family, others feel comforted by the sounds of a hospital setting, and everything in between. It’s our job to listen to their values and needs and help guide them toward a desired outcome.

Jackie - Under the best of circumstances, dealing with life-limiting illness in whatever phase a patient and family are moving through can be emotionally daunting and filled with difficulty. Navigating this end-of-life journey during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased isolation and loneliness. In a time when they need to access extra support, their ability to connect and feel supported is limited. Many of our families have not been able to visit with a patient who was in a long-term care facility or hospital. The past year has brought a different kind of grief as families learn new ways of celebrating the life of a loved one, when traditional customs designed to help bring comfort and support are no longer possible. As social workers, we help by naming the frustration and concerns while compassionately listening and supporting. We offer normalization, validation and reassurance to our patients and families. We can’t take away their pain, but we can support them and hold this space while they process difficult and intense feelings.

Watch: What does a hospice social worker do?

What do you find fulfilling about hospice social work?

Jennifer - Easily, it is the time I spend with my patients and their loved ones. I’m so humbled when a family lets me into their home at such a vulnerable time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. That takes a large amount of trust, and I strive to give that the respect it deserves. I especially enjoy getting to know each of my clients and what they hope for. Together, with the whole care team, we can usually bring that hope to reality. Death will happen to 100% of us – we don’t get a choice in that. What we do get a choice in is how we spend those last months, weeks, and days. There’s a lot of hope in that. There’s a lot of love in that. I feel so honored to help my patients understand this and have the life they want.

Jackie - One of the best aspects of this job is working with an amazing interdisciplinary team. Having multiple disciplines all working together and each bringing their unique perspective enhances our understanding of patients and families. Essentially, we all help them define their goals to determine what’s needed or important for them to make the most of whatever time they have left. The focus really becomes about living with the best quality of life, which I find so fulfilling.

What’s one of your favorite memories with a patient?

Jennifer - Recently, I had a patient who hoped to go to Encore, the new Boston-area casino, but the risk of contracting COVID-19 was too high. Instead of taking him to the casino, we brought the casino to him! His hospice nurse, Erin Van Ness, and I brought appetizers, decorations, cards, chips, and a craps table. Only problem was that we had overlooked the minor detail that neither she nor I knew how to play craps! I watched hours of YouTube tutorials before calling for mercy, but we forged ahead anyway. We surprised John with the event, and he surprised us by teaching us all how to play craps. He was able to win big that night and redeem his chips for a prize we arranged for him. I’ll always remember the big smile on his face as he taught us how to play the game, and the gentle way he and his family cheered each other on. It was really such a privilege to be a part of that. As corny as it sounds, that’s the part of my job I love the most – making dreams come true.

Jackie - We had a patient come into the Care Dimensions Hospice House transitioning to end of life. I’ll call her Anna. She was developmentally disabled, minimally responsive, and unable to make her needs known. Anna had a case worker through the Department of Developmental Services and an adult daycare manager who were very fond of her, but unable to visit due their own agencies’ COVID-19 limitations. In speaking with these caregivers over the phone, I learned Anna loved to dance and listen to “Island Music.” At work, when she heard this music she would laugh, sing, and dance. I was told her smile was infectious when the music came on. I sat bedside, held her hand and played music from her favorite band. When I drove home that night, I had a smile on my face. Such a small detail, but one that I felt such satisfaction in believing it brought Anna comfort in her last days.

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About the author
Lisa Conti is Senior Marketing Communications Specialist for Care Dimensions and manages its Voices of Care blog.