Home Health Suit + Scrubs Podcast Episode 14: Social Work in Home Health: Beyond the Referral

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In this episode of Home Health Suit and Scrubs Podcast, three home health physical therapists interview Liz Peto, LCSW, a social worker who transitioned to home health six months ago. Working in a unique community-based program with six-month patient follow-up, Liz reveals the extensive scope of social work services that many therapists don't realize.

Beyond basic referrals, Liz provides comprehensive financial support, including grant applications, recently securing $1,100 monthly COBRA coverage through a neurological condition grant. She handles Medicaid applications, disability claims, connects patients to community resources, and provides ongoing mental health counseling that's often inaccessible to homebound patients. Her extended timeline allows for meaningful rapport building and real problem-solving in patients' actual environments.

Team communication emerged as crucial, with shared patient updates providing valuable clinical insights across disciplines. The therapists discussed what makes home health special: treating patients in their most comfortable environments and addressing meaningful goals in real-life settings.

Liz's key message: "Never be afraid to consult... everybody just wants to be included and treat someone as part of an interdisciplinary team." Social workers can handle complex psychosocial issues, allowing therapists to focus on their clinical expertise while ensuring comprehensive patient care.

The Home Health Suit + Scrubs Podcast is your weekly dose of real talk for home health clinicians. Hosted by Dan Haggerty—a national home health therapy executive—and three seasoned home health PTs, each episode dives into the topics that matter most: safety, efficiency, clinical care, and career growth. Whether you’re a new grad or a home health veteran, you’ll find practical tips, relatable stories, and candid conversations designed to help you thrive in the field. From navigating tricky documentation to setting boundaries and staying safe on the road, Suit + Scrubs blends real-world insight with a touch of humor to make your commute between visits more useful—and more fun.

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