Family Support Services
In today’s increasingly stressful world, many families need help in managing their day to day health care needs. Family Support Services (FSS) are available through your local public health department to enhance and support primary medical care. Family Support Services work with medical providers, patients, and families to encourage and assist in the practice of healthier behaviors. By working together as partners, we can optimize health outcomes and have a positive impact on the lives of South Carolinians.
Who Provides Family Support Services?
Public Health Professionals work as an interdisciplinary team with the patient and family, providing services in the patient’s home or other community settings. These professionals include:
- Public Health Nurses
- Licensed Social Workers
- Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Health Educators
- Public Health Assistants
If You Are Concerned About A Patient Because Of...
- Inconsistent use of preventive care or late presentation for acute care
- Lack of ability to follow a plan of care
- Lack of adequate financial resources
- Uncertainty about his/her family support network
- Unstable living environment
- Risk taking behaviors
- Lack of positive care giving or coping skills
- Need for additional training/reinforcement/education about a diagnostic test, procedure, medication or treatment
- Need for education regarding healthy dietary practices
- Complications of chronic disease aggravated by psychosocial problems
…then refer this patient to your Public Health partner for screening, support, counseling, monitoring and guidance.
Examples of Family Support Services
- Nutrition therapy and guidance for patients with chronic diseases, growth problems, parenteral or enteral nutrition support needs, and other nutrition concerns
- Anticipatory guidance which addresses patient attitude, knowledge base, beliefs and behaviors relative to health care and health practices
- Interventions which support and reinforce the medical plan of care, teaching patients how to manage their medical conditions on a daily basis
- Counseling and guidance relative to issues of substance abuse, family violence, grief and loss, and/or adjustment to medical/physical disabilities
- Monitoring and reinforcing the use of appropriate primary medical and dental care
- Linkage to community resources
For Family Support Services in your area, please contact your local public health department.