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How Social Workers Help Families Stay Close to Care During Medical Treatment

social workers in patient care supporting families

March is National Social Workers Month! It is a time to thank the people who walk beside patients and families during some of their hardest days.The role of social workers in patient care is often quiet but important. While doctors and nurses focus on medical treatment, social workers help families handle everything else. They help with stress, planning, and finding resources when life feels overwhelming.

At Goodness Village, we see every day how social workers help families stay close to the care they need.

Social Workers in Patient Care: Supporting Families Beyond Treatment

Hospital social workers do many things.

They help families:

The National Association of Social Workers explains that social workers help people cope with illness and life changes. In hospitals, they often become a steady voice during uncertain times.

They are problem-solvers, advocates and are often the first to ask, “What does this family need right now?”

When Medical Care Means Leaving Home

Many families must travel to Little Rock for treatment.

Patients come for care at UAMS, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, CARTI Cancer Center, Baptist Health, and CHI St. Vincent. Sometimes treatment lasts weeks or even months.

When that happens, families must leave home. They may miss work. They may worry about money. Caregivers may feel tired and stretched thin.

This is when social workers step in again.

One of the biggest questions they help answer is:
“Where will this family stay?”

Helping Families Stay Close to Care

Social workers often help families find medical lodging near hospitals. They work to make sure patients can stay close to their treatment center in a safe place providing access to care.

Goodness Village partners with hospital social workers to provide affordable, fully furnished apartments in Little Rock.

Our apartments include:

Unlike a hotel room, our apartments give families space to breathe.

You can learn more about and take a virtual tour of our apartments here:
View our Apartments.

When social workers connect families to safe housing, they lower stress and create stability. That support can make a real difference during treatment.

When Healthcare and Community Work Together

Medical care does not stop at the hospital door.

Doctors treat the illness. Nurses provide daily care. Social workers guide families through challenges. Community nonprofits like Goodness Village provide housing and support.

Together, this team helps families stay close to care.

If you or a loved one needs lodging during treatment in Little Rock, you can begin the application process here:
Guest Application.

If you would like to support families during medical treatment, your gift helps keep apartments available for those in need:
Donate Now.

Honoring Social Workers During Social Work Month

To the hospital social workers, oncology social workers, pediatric social workers, and discharge planners — thank you.

Because of you:

Your work often happens behind the scenes. But it changes lives in ways that matter deeply.

This Social Work Month, we celebrate you.

And we are grateful to work alongside you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do hospital social workers do?

Hospital social workers help patients and families handle emotional, financial, and practical needs during medical treatment. They connect families to helpful resources and support services.

How do social workers help families who travel for care?

Social workers help families find housing, transportation, and financial support so they can stay close to treatment safely.

How can social workers refer families to Goodness Village?

Families can visit our guest application page or contact our team directly to learn more about lodging options in Little Rock.

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