Social Services
Social Services gives you and your families the support you may need—beyond physical medical care—with dignity, integrity and respect. We also strive to help patients and families access healthcare resources at Gundersen and our community.
Adults
Our Social Services department helps you juggle the demands of caring for yourself or your family by matching you up with programs that exist to help people just like you. We will bridge the gap between you and your physicians and other healthcare professionals. We can help you deal with health insurance companies, too.
Service arrangements might include:
- Placement in alternative living housing
- Nursing home placement
- Financial assistance
- Transportation and meal arrangements
- Setting up services and support for an individual to remain in their home
Perhaps you or someone you provide care for undergoes renal dialysis, lives with cancer or is pregnant. Are you or a loved one elderly and require assistance? Social Service can help guide you.
Cancer patients
Common needs of patients and families vary but may include: transportation, insurance questions, financial concerns, medical equipment, home care needs or alternative living arrangements. Social Services will assist you in assessing your needs, investigating options available to you and coordinating needed services with your physician and referral agencies.
Pediatrics
Families of children with medical needs, developmental or behavioral issues often need help accessing resources and services. Gundersen Social Services staff can assist with financial and insurance concerns, community support programs, special education information and more.
We also have a Child Protection Team to provide support and ensure we are abiding by appropriate laws when abuse or neglect is suspected.
Pregnancy and fertility patients
Our experts can assist you in getting pregnancy counseling, prenatal education, nutrition assessment, ongoing support and referrals. We have a specialized team trained to help meet the challenges of adolescent pregnancy. Additionally, Social Services can connect you with resources if you are exploring adoption. We can also help you access fertility services as well as cope with a pregnancy loss.
Renal dialysis patients
Social workers will learn what you (or a family member) need as a renal dialysis patient and help set up that assistance. We work as liaisons for you.
Trauma and emergency center patients
The Gundersen Trauma & Emergency Center offers 24-hour Social Services to patients, families, and referral agencies.
Crisis intervention is the primary focus whereby social workers provide needs assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, support and advocacy to all facets of the TEC population.
Social workers function as part of the emergency room team of disciplines to reflect a holistic approach to medical care.
Critical Incident Stress Management Team
Emergency personnel face a variety of stressors daily and, in general, cope very well. Occasionally, they deal with situations that can produce strong emotional reactions and are therefore labeled critical incidents.
The Mississippi River Valley Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) consists of a multi-faceted approach for recognition and intervention of Emergency Services stress and critical incident stress. The program is free.
Our confidential, volunteer team is available to come to your location in our service area and provide debriefings for first responders. Call our Emergency Department, (608) 775-3128, and ask for the social worker to request assistance.
Helpful websites
How to connect
By telephone
(800) 362-9567, ext. 53454
24-Hour Crisis Line
(800) 362-9567, ext. 55950