March is Social Work Month, a time to celebrate the heart, humor, and dedication of social workers everywhere. For the past eight months, I have been interning at East End Hospice under a team of social workers who shine so brightly. I have had the honor of witnessing firsthand the profound impact these professionals have, and I am in awe.
Hospice is often misunderstood. It’s not about giving up; it’s about honoring life, ensuring that people are treated with dignity and respect, and making sure that no one faces their final chapters alone. Hospice care is a team effort with doctors, nurses, chaplains, hospice aides, administrative staff, and volunteers who each play a critical role, but social workers bring something unique to the table: they tackle the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that arise, having difficult but necessary conversations with patients and their loved ones with empathy and compassion.
Social workers hold hands (literally and figuratively) through grief, fear, and uncertainty. They advocate strongly to make sure patients’ voices are heard and uphold their wishes, and they also provide support to caregivers, who are often running on empty.
During my time at East End Hospice, I have worked closely with an incredible team of social workers who have shown me what advocacy looks like. I have learned that hospice social workers are the story keepers, the shoulders to cry on, and fierce defenders of human dignity. They remember what makes each patient special, never let anyone feel forgotten, and create connections that transcend time.
But hospice social work doesn’t stop when a patient passes away. At East End Hospice, the support continues. An important lesson I have learned from East End Hospice’s Ashley Klaus, LCSW, that I will take with me is, “You must always close the loop!” What does that mean? It means following through with advocacy and support every step of the way, ensuring that families are not left to navigate their hospice journey and grief process alone.
As social workers, we stay present for families, offering guidance and compassion for as long as they need. Within the first week of a patient’s passing, their social worker reaches out to their family, making sure they’re not alone in their grief. Throughout the year, social workers (and volunteers) check-in, offering kindness and additional support through East End Hospice’s Zinberg Family Bereavement Center when needed.
These services include counseling, support groups, equine therapy, and Camp Good Grief (a camp for children experiencing grief and loss). I had the privilege of attending Camp Good Grief last summer, and it was life-changing, not just for me but also for the campers and their families. Watching children navigate their grief with the support of these amazing social workers is proof of their deep and lasting impact.
This internship as a hospice social worker has been more than just a learning opportunity; it has been a lesson in humanity. I have been surrounded by people with hearts of gold who show up every day ready to listen, comfort, advocate, and connect. Once you step into this world, it’s impossible to look away. I am beyond honored to have had this experience and been guided by compassionate role models, and I carry this wisdom with me as I continue my journey in social work.
So, to every social worker out there… Thank You!
Thank you for holding space for others, reminding us of all the power of human connection, and ensuring that no one ever walks life’s hardest paths alone.
Happy Social Work Month! You are seen, you are appreciated, and you are changing lives.
