CONFIDENTIALITY of hospice pts/family

[pinkdolphin]

Hi all- What a wonderful site. I have a complicated question -I would love some insight. A friend who is an adult and lives at home with her mother (who is on hospice) has some issues she would like to discuss with the hospice social worker. These issues are around the impending death of her mother and the impact she feels it will have on her. She is hesitant to speak with the social worker b/c she feels if her mom knows how difficult this will be on her she will change her wishes to protect her daughter. My question is if a family member confides in the hospice social worker who gets to know that information?

I hope that is clear,

Thanks

[marachne]

If the social worker is working in their role as counselor/therapist (and that would be the role in this situation) then the usual rules of client confidentiality would apply (minus mandatory reporting). The family is the client in hospice -- it is patient centered, family focused, and conflict, or at least different needs are common. A good social worker would be able to support the daughter in a way that is appropriate to her needs while respecting the needs of the mother. Walking this path among families who are dealing with the special issues that arise at the end of life are part of what the hospice social work role entails.