Social Services
MercyOne’s Social Services staff assists patients, families and other support persons in meeting needs they may experience as a result of illness or injury.
These include services that will assist in your transition from a MercyOne medical center to your home or another facility. Social workers are available seven days a week and there is no charge for their services.
Common services:
- Assisting with adjustment to illness and loss
- Providing information about community resources and your options
- Arranging for in-home services like home health care, home-delivered meals, necessary medical equipment
- Assisting with skilled nursing or long-term care placement decisions
- Addressing insurance coverage and benefits
- Addressing financial concerns
- Answering questions in regard to Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs
- Assisting with legal issues, such as Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care or Guardianship
- Providing support and guidance in crisis situations
Iowa Donor Network
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center by law reports all hospital deaths to the Iowa Donor Network. Representatives from this service might contact families.
Please feel free to talk with your nurse, Pastoral Care or Social Services if you have questions about organ donation.
Durable Power of Attorney
In Iowa there are two Advance Directives:
- Living Will
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
A brochure detailing Advance Directives is provided on admission.
Further information can be obtained through Pastoral Care Services or Social Services.
