Which professional provides care-related emotional support at the end of life?

• A. Geriatric Social Worker
• B. Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker
• C. Healthcare Social Worker
• D. Family Services Social Worker

Answer: (B)

Providing care-related emotional support at the end of life is the primary role of hospice and palliative care social workers. They are specially trained to address the emotional, social, and spiritual challenges that arise for patients facing terminal illness and for their families. This includes helping patients and families cope with fear and grief, guiding conversations about goals of care and treatment preferences, aiding with advance directives and decision-making, and arranging bereavement support and community resources after a loss.

Other social work roles may offer valuable support in aging, general healthcare, or family welfare, but they aren’t as focused on the specific emotional and psychosocial needs that peak during end-of-life care and bereavement.