Health problems can complicate your life in many ways. They often increase
daily stress, cause financial concerns and require special treatment.
Members of the Altru's Social Services Department are professionally trained
to assess a patient's and/or family's needs.
Altru's Social Services is available to all patients and their families
free of charge. Your physician or nurse may refer you or you can request
to see a Social Worker by calling
701.780.5000, between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Community Agencies
Altru's Social Services can put you in touch with many community agencies,
including:
County Social Service Department
Lodging facilities
Mental Health / Chemical dependency agencies
Special education services
Support groups for specific needs / topics
Home Care agencies
Public Health
Referral To Financial Programs
Social workers will provide assistance for financial difficulties by locating
the appropriate resources.
Medicaid
Social Security Administration
Medication Assistance
Veterans Administration
North Dakota/Minnesota Children with Special Health needs
Referral to Altru's Financial Counselors
Support Services
Illness and treatment can add stress to your life.
Altru's social workers provide support and referral services to patients
and families in these areas:
Adjustment to illness due to stress and change
Coping with terminal illness
Coping with grief
Education on illness and treatment
Parenting concerns
Vocational counseling
Financial concerns
Advance directives and living wills
Employee assistance programs
Issues related to abuse, neglect and violence
Issues related to separation
Child evaluation and treatment program
Discharge Planning Services
Altru's social workers help you through the discharge process, arranging:
Nursing home placement
Transfers to other healthcare facilities
Hospice referral
Special medical transportation
Follow-up services
Homemaker services
In-Home healthcare/Home Health
Use or purchase of durable medical equipment
Home delivered meals
Safe Haven For Infant Abandonment
North Dakota law allows parents to safely abandon an infant without fear
of prosecution at any hospital. Infants up to one year of age can be safely
abandoned at Altru Hospital with any Altru employee at any time.
Parents with questions regarding safe abandonment can call
701.780.5000 and ask to speak with a social worker or the house supervisor.
