The role of social worker has many facets, and Patty has spent more than 40 years working in the field. Two years ago, she joined the Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice - Greater Toledo team as a hospice social worker.
“It is an absolute honor to be allowed in the homes of our clients during what is arguably the worst time in their lives,” shared Patty. “To hear their stories, what they’ve learned, and how they have navigated the good and bad that has happened to them is hands down the most rewarding part of my job.”
From making sure patients and their families are coping as well as they can with their diagnosis and prognosis, to linking them with community needs, Patty strives to bring comfort, knowledge and humor to the people she encounters daily. “Mainly, we sit with our patients and families, be present with them, listen to what is important to them and advocate that those things are achieved,” she summarized.
This year marks 30 years of marriage for Patty and her husband, and the pair have three grown sons and five dogs. “We love dogs and have taken in four dogs from hospice patients over the years,” added Patty. “Just a week ago, our fifth dog joined the family, after I found him freezing and wandering around by some train tracks in the cold, while I was doing hospice visits.”