The decision to move into a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation or long term care is never an easy one. It can be overwhelming for the resident and their loved ones to have to make this transition. The role of our Social Services Department is to help with this adjustment period, as well as psychological or psycho-social needs and even discharge planning.

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Ashley Jarvenpaa, is the Social Services Designee at Gogebic Medical Care Facility. She is a trained social service professional who can assist residents and their families with many issues and concerns. Ashley also helps residents and their families cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses and handle problems that may stand in the way of recovery or rehabilitation.

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The Social Services Department’s main concern is to ensure the resident’s individual rights and preserve their quality of life.

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Discharge Planning is a large part of the everyday business of social services. Planning for discharge begins the day a resident enters our facility. Ashley is a part of an interdisciplinary team that will develop a discharge plan tailored to the resident’s individual need. That plan may include: medical condition, functional ability, financial constraints, and availability of family or community assistance. Some options recommended may include assistance with arranging services necessary for continued recovery at home.

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Ashley is also available to help you and your family after discharge should a concern arise.

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Some other areas of concern the Social Services Department deals with include: completing Medical Assistance applications and/or re-certification; executing Power of Attorney for Health Care documents; individual counseling for residents and/or their families; maintaining contact with families; assisting with legal or financial matters, as well as a variety of other issues.

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Our Social Services Department strives to provide the maximum amount of support needed by the resident and their family, provided in the strictest confidence. Ashley encourages residents and/or their families to stop in to see her during her working hours with any questions or concerns. Or just stop by to say “Hi” so that she can get to know you better.

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Our hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or by appointment.  Ashley Jarvenpaa, Social Services Designee can be reached at (906) 224-9811, Extension 104