Each patient at hospice is assigned a social worker to be a part of the interdisciplinary team in developing a plan of care for the patient and family. The hospice social worker is available to assist patients and their loved ones or caregivers in navigating the practical and emotional issues that arise during the end-of-life journey.

It is not the job of a hospice social worker to impose any particular agenda, but to simply follow the lead of the patient and family. A social worker is available to provide counseling to the patient and family, to address their concerns, and to support their wishes. It as being in a vehicle passenger seat, holding up the map and pointing to the right section so the driver can navigate smartly and efficiently.