How to find a social worker?

Hello @1nfo My doctor set up the appointment with a social worker, and I actually spoke to her yesterday. Can you ask your PCP to have a social worker from your medical group to contact you? I have Sutter Health here in California, and they do have social workers available to patients. My Medicare Advantage plan via Alignment also has a social worker, and I spoke to her today. Granted, it was just a check in type of call, but it was very helpful to me, as was the social worker I spoke to yesterday. I would be surprised if your medical group and/or insurance company does not have a social worker available to you. Can you call "patient services" at the hospital associated with your medical group and ask them? I really wish I could provide you with more help, but not knowing what kind of Advantage Plan you have, if you have one, it is difficult for me to provide you with more helpful information, and I am very sorry about this. I understand it is frustrating. I do not know why you want to speak to a social worker, but there are also social workers who work for the County, and depending upon your needs, the County may be able to assist you. Let me know how it works out. Hang in there. It's not easy trying to navigate the medical system like it used to be, and I have found that one has to be more proactive now than ever before.
Best of luck.

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Dear frances007,

I just realized I never specified why I was looking for a social worker. I actually already have a therapist and a meds doctor, but I am looking for someone who can help me navigate social services in my area with regard to housing and housing support services. I have an elderly relative who is my caregiver and I'm trying to prepare for the future when I will be alone. I am on Medicare which makes it tougher because most of the services in my area are geared toward Medicaid.

Thanks for listening to me!

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in reply to @1nfo. You are very welcome. I do not know where you live, but in California the Counties have something called IHSS, In Home Health Support Services. Depending upon your age, needs, and things of that nature, the County will pay for someone to come to your home and take care of you during the day. This service is not necessarily based upon income, but you should check. It can be a hassle getting it set up. If you already have a caregiver, they could apply to the County for a position with social services and then they would be paid for caring for you. I hope this helps.

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