Social workers are a valuable resource when facing a chronic or degenerative disease. They can provide counseling and other services to reduce stress for you and your family, no matter what curve ball PD is throwing at you.
Social workers can help you:
Access information to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options
Cope with your diagnosis and the many emotions you may be experiencing
Consider decisions about treatment options as you think about work, family, and other things in your life
Understand social security benefits, disability benefits, insurance coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid
Social workers can teach you about:
Issues commonly experienced living with chronic disease & resources to help you long term
Coping with your emotions of sadness, anger, worry, or fear
Reducing stress and using relaxation techniques
Coping as a caregiver
Exploring integrative medicine options
Considering clinical trial possibilities
Planning for your care with the use of advance directives
Driving issues
Social workers can help you access:
Affordable medical care and prescription drug coverage
Transportation to and from medical care
Home health and hospice care
Items such as a cane or a walker
Referrals for help at home, including safety precautions/modifications
Our organization is aided by two wonderful social workers who have resources and ideas for tackling a myriad of issues related to PD. To be put in contact with them, please email or call the office at 513-558-0113.
For those who are Patients at UC
Meet your Social Worker
Becca Jacobs
Becca Jacobs is a native Ohio resident originally from Oxford, Ohio; Rebecca attended the University of Cincinnati earning Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a commission through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps in 2005. After serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army, she relocated back to Cincinnati and earned a Master of Social Work degree from Northern Kentucky University. Becca has specific professional interests in the areas of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, research in neuroplasticity, and the impacts of meditation on brain function, emotional regulation and the immune system. Becca is affiliated with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Parkinson’s Support & Wellness, assisting people with Parkinson’s disease and their families to connect with resources, community and support who are associated with UC Health physicians.
For those who are patients elsewhere
Meet your social Worker
Mary Beth Bialick
Mary Beth has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University and has worked in the medical social work field in a variety of settings in both Michigan & Ohio. For the last 20+ years, Mary Beth has been affiliated with the Ohio Valley Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society. Through her work with HD, she met the Movement Disorder folks in Cincinnati and joined them as social worker about ten years ago. Today, she remains a social worker for both the Huntington’s Disease Society and Parkinson Support & Wellness, finding help and referrals for those who are who are not associated with UC physicians.
Read Mary Beth’s posts on our blog, here.
Mary Beth hosts 2 support groups— one for Caregivers and one for PWPs. Both meet online.
To be put in contact with either Becca or Mary Beth, please email or call the office at 513-558-0113.