Tell us what has changed.
Share the city where care is needed, any recent discharge plans, and the skilled services your provider has recommended.
Medical Social Services
Medical Social Services at home
Guidance for patients and families facing the practical, social, and emotional concerns that can affect care at home.
Provider-ordered careMedicare · Insurance · Private payFour-county service area
When a little more support is needed
A change in health can affect more than the daily care routine. Patients and families may need help understanding community resources, discussing caregiver support, or working through concerns that make following a care plan difficult. Medical social services bring these needs into the home health conversation. A medical social worker can assess concerns related to the patient's care and help identify resources and next steps in coordination with the home health team.
Vanguard works with patients, families, and referring providers to clarify the requested skilled services. We review your location, referral, and coverage before planning visits. You can call to understand the process even if you are still gathering paperwork.
What to have ready
These details help the team understand the referral and avoid asking you to repeat information.
- The referral and the concerns you would like help addressing
- Information about current caregiver support and community services
- Questions about resources, care arrangements, or next steps after discharge
Also have the patient’s city or ZIP code and insurance information nearby. Please share medical documents directly with the care team through the process they provide, rather than through the general website form.
Getting started, one conversation at a time.
We help you understand what comes next, before services begin.
Review care and coverage.
We discuss the referral, service availability, and Medicare, insurance, or private-pay arrangements. Specific benefits and costs need individual review.
Plan the next step.
Our team explains what information is still needed and how provider-ordered care can be coordinated when appropriate.
Questions about medical social services
Care is personal. These answers offer a starting point for a conversation about your needs.
Discuss coverage and eligibilityCan a medical social worker help us find additional support?
A medical social worker can help identify relevant community resources and explain possible next steps based on assessed needs. Eligibility, funding, and availability depend on the individual program. Referrals do not guarantee that outside services or financial assistance will be approved.
Can I use insurance or private pay?
We accept most major insurance plans and private pay. Participation, benefits, authorization requirements, and patient costs vary by plan and service. We review these details before services begin.
What should I prepare for a medical social services inquiry?
Please have the referral and the concerns you would like help addressing; information about current caregiver support and community services; questions about resources, care arrangements, or next steps after discharge. You can call before every document is available.
Which areas do you serve?
Vanguard serves Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, and Ventura Counties. Call with the exact patient location and care needs to discuss service availability. Our office is in Burbank.
Related care options
Questions about care at home?
A conversation is a good place to begin.