Social Services at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center

At UH Samaritan Medical Center, we have the distinct privilege of helping people daily. For our social workers, that is especially true, as they are patient advocates, addressing needs such as homelessness, poverty, family break-up, mental illness, physical and mental disability, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and much more. They place the needs of the patient first and foremost while helping families and loved ones navigate difficult life transitions.

Social workers at UH Samaritan assure continuity of care, assist in discharge planning; secure home medical equipment supplies; identify community resources; address in-home services; and provide information on care options such as advanced directives.

Social Services We Provide

Services UH Samaritan social workers may discuss with you and your family:

Home Healthcare is physician-ordered when a patient is homebound, meaning it is a taxing effort for them to leave their house. In addition, the patient must require at least one of these services:

• Skilled nursing care
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy

Under the physician's direction, a nurse or other healthcare provider will visit the patient at home to provide treatment and services. It is not uncommon for joint replacement patients to need home healthcare services for two to three weeks after discharge from the hospital.

Durable Medical Equipment is a term used to describe any medical equipment used in the home to enhance quality of life. Patients often require durable medical equipment items, such as a walker, cane, bedside commode, hospital bed or wheelchair.

Extended Care Facilities are for those needing assistance with day-to-day activities or with medical needs. There are different kinds of extended care facilities, some that allow for long-term placement and some that are more appropriate for short-term care. Facilities for short-term care are for patients expected to recover and return home. In most cases, these patients are not ill enough to be in the hospital, and usually need additional care such as speech or physical therapy. If you would like more information or need help finding an extended care facility that is right for you or a loved one, call us at 419-289-0491 or 1-800-257-9917, ext. 2463 or 2464.

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation is a program designed to help individuals gain maximum functioning while in the hospital. Patients who have loss of ability due to stroke, fracture, amputation, trauma or other disabling condition may qualify for acute inpatient rehabilitation. Under the direction of a physician, one or more of these rehabilitative services may be required:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Dietetic care
• Social work
• Psychological consultation

Outpatient Services may be ordered by a physician for treatment involving physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy or nursing services. Outpatient services means the patient travels from home to a rehabilitation facility to attend each session. Call 419-289-0491 or 1-800-257-9917, ext. 2463 or 2464 for more information.

Advanced Directives and other options allow individuals to state their wishes about the care they want if they develop a terminal illness or life-threatening injury. In addition, individuals can designate someone they trust to make decisions regarding their medical care if they are unable to do so. This is called medical power of attorney. A living will is an example of an Advanced Directive. It provides legal documentation in case an individual is unable to communicate his/her wishes.

Learn more about Advanced Directives.

Caregiver Resources

• The Caregiver Notebook – A comprehensive look at all aspects of being a caregiver, developed by the Older Adult Behavioral Health Coalition.
• The Caregiver Notebook Resource Guide – A detailed directory of many services available to Ashland County residents with a strong focus on information needed by caregivers. Developed by the Older Adult Behavioral Health Coalition.
• The Caregiver Resource Pamphlet
• Instructions for printing
• Nursing Home Information Guide – Provides information needed to choose a facility that will meet you and your family's needs. Provided by Ashland County Nursing Home Collaborative.