SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                                               39-02-001

 

SOCIAL SERVICES POLICY STATEMENT

 

POLICY STATEMENT.

 

The Division of Veterans Healthcare Services requires that each of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes (VMH) establish a Social Services Department charged with the responsibility for addressing the social and emotional needs of the veteran home residents and their families, in accordance with the regulatory codes set forth by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

 

PURPOSE.

 

This statement shall serve to ensure that New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home residents receive social service assistance necessary to address their social and emotional needs and the needs of their families, advocating to ensure that specific needs are met.

 

PROCEDURE.

 

A.  Social Services:

 

1.                   Screens and processes applicants for admission. 

 

2.                   Maintains demographic data, e.g., current home addresses and telephone numbers of next of kin and/or responsible representatives, and updates this information monthly or as needed.

 

2.         Assesses veteran home residents’ social and emotional functioning, and assures provision of appropriate services.

 

3.         Provides counseling for residents and families, as needed.

 

4.         Advocates for entitlements and protection of rights.  The facilities may apply for eligible entitlements on behalf of residents.  The facilities will not reimburse residents for entitlements not received.

 

5.         Coordinates a holistic integration of veteran home residents with other departments.

 

6.                   Maintains open lines of communication with veteran home residents, their families, community resource persons, and other departments within the facility in regard to the social service needs of the veteran home residents.

 

7.                   Develops and implements specific criteria to identify residents who are likely candidates for discharge into the community or into a less intensive care setting. Coordinates discharge planning along with the Inter-Disciplinary Team prior to discharge. Documents and reflects communication with the veteran home resident and their family.

 

 

Revised: January 2007