‹‹ The Front Line

    Cindy, LCSW

    Hospice Social Worker

    Hometown: South Kent, CT

    About yourself: My husband and I have three children and eight grandchildren. In my free time I enjoy hiking deep into the Adirondacks, golf, kayaking and reading. My secret talent is making gingerbread houses.

    Why and when did you choose your profession? I began my career as a medical assistant and office manager for an obstetrician’s practice. Over the years I found that my true passion was advocating for patients, and I transitioned to social work. Returning to school in 2007, my goal was to complete my BSW. I then saw the need to continue and I completed my MSW in 2015.

    I have been in Hospice since 2018. When a patient has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, they and their families often feel powerless. My role is to offer the patient the support they wish for and need to have the best quality of life possible. It’s important that patients’ wishes be honored and acted on. Often people just want someone to listen. Hospice may be able to grant a wish, like a simple outing, or a day with family that might have not otherwise been possible without resources. I also help the family face the psychosocial aspects of the loved one’s illness. There are often difficult decisions and planning to be made. 

    Having conversations on difficult topics, giving people time to reflect on their goals, values and wishes and coming to decisions is both a challenge and a reward. 

    How has your role changed since COVID-19? Our patients in need of End of Life care has increased exponentially with the Covid-19 pandemic.  Many of our patients are too ill for me to meet, so I meet the families through telehealth methods. Families are unable to be present with their loved ones and unable to have traditional memorial services. 

    Grieving has taken on a new dimension in the face of this illness.  I spend time, again via telehealth, consoling family through this time; I’ve connected them with virtual on-line resources for support and ways to hold memorial services. Being able to offer a hug at the time of death is crucial in our societal norms. So many are feeling the loss of that simple human gesture (me included).