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Our social counselling as a travel agency for life

Claudia von Ow

Claudia von Ow

November 1, 2024

reading time

6 min

The social counselling service at Zollikerberg Hospital is available to our patients as well as to anyone seeking advice and support. In this interview, Claudia von Ow, Head of Social Counselling, explains the areas in which she can offer you advice, the specialist services she works with and dispels some common preconceptions.

How big is your team and where do you work?

Our social counselling team works on the hospital premises and consists of four experienced specialists.

What areas of counselling are you responsible for?

We offer diverse and comprehensive advice in the areas of social insurance, labour, family, child and adult protection law. We also clarify questions in the area of social welfare and provide support in accessing resources in connection with health and accident insurance as well as other social insurance schemes such as disability insurance (IV), supplementary benefits (EL), income compensation scheme (EO) or social assistance. In acute emergency situations, we also examine the possibilities for extraordinary financial support. We provide support in organising repatriation to the home country and arrange private Spitex services. We also coordinate and organise follow-up solutions, for example for rehabilitation, health cures, care centres or mother-child residential facilities. We therefore often refer to ourselves as "the travel agency of life".

What does your counselling look like?

The counselling process always begins with a non-binding initial consultation in which patients and/or their relatives have the opportunity to describe their current situation and the associated needs in detail. The social workers listen carefully, ask specific questions and thus gain a comprehensive picture of the individual situation. On this basis, a solution is developed together, which includes concrete measures. These may include, for example, rehabilitation measures, care options or access to important resources such as social insurance benefits. The provision of further support, such as that offered by specialised agencies or external partners, also plays a central role in the counselling process. The aim of our counselling is to provide patients and relatives with a perspective and a "safety net" that offers them support when returning to everyday life.

Our team

Familiarise yourself with the social counselling team

Our dedicated and empathetic social counsellors would be pleased to introduce themselves to you in more detail with their picture and function. If you are interested in counselling, you will also find the relevant contact details.

Which external specialist centres do you work with?

Social counselling is an independent and autonomous service that supports patients in various life situations. In close consultation with those affected, referrals are made to a suitable specialist centre depending on the individual problem. These may be various institutions such as maternity and paternity counselling, specialised legal advice centres or the relevant authorities. It is very important to us to find the best possible support for every concern and to help our patients in a targeted manner.

Are there misconceptions about the role of social counselling?

Social counselling is sometimes confused with official agencies. However, the cornerstone of our service is independent and confidential counselling. Discussions and information are always treated discreetly, so that those affected can feel safe and can discuss their concerns with us without worrying about their privacy.

What is special about the work of the social counselling service?

Our day-to-day work is characterised by a particular diversity that makes it both challenging and enriching. We work in different departments, which allows us to gain a wide range of experiences and perspectives, from counselling expectant parents and mothers during pregnancy, to patients who are ill or have had an accident and are still in the middle of their working lives, to supporting and accompanying people in old age. This variety not only ensures a dynamic working atmosphere, but also promotes interdisciplinary dialogue. We also work with people from a wide range of age groups. Every age brings with it individual life situations, questions and challenges. This enables us to offer customised solutions and respond to the specific needs of the respective clientele. This diversity in the concerns and life situations of our clients enriches our day-to-day work and motivates us to keep learning and developing.

What do you value most about your work?

What we particularly value about our work in social counselling is the opportunity to provide comprehensive support and concrete help to people in stressful life situations. Those affected often face complex challenges, whether due to personal, social or economic problems. At such times, we can provide tangible relief through targeted counselling and practical assistance and pave the way to a sustainable solution. It is particularly rewarding to take a holistic view of the patient's individual situation and work with them to develop a perspective that opens up new possibilities.

Another valuable aspect of our work is the close collaboration with various disciplines. In social counselling, we often act as a link between specialists from different fields, such as medicine, nursing or psychology. This interdisciplinary collaboration not only enables us to take a holistic view of the situation of those affected, but also improves communication and understanding between the specialist areas. This enables us to ensure that everyone involved is informed and on the same page for the benefit of patients.

Ultimately, we are motivated by the knowledge that our work can make a real difference to people's lives. It is fulfilling to not only support them through difficult times, but to help them regain hope and confidence for the future.

Why is it important to overcome the taboo of seeking social counselling?

Seeking social counselling is often associated with shame, pride and social prejudice. Many people find it uncomfortable to accept support because they fear that this could be seen as a sign of weakness or personal failure. Particularly in hospital, where many are already in a stressful situation, those affected often believe they have to deal with their problems alone. Social expectations and the stigma surrounding issues such as poverty, unemployment or mental illness reinforce this reluctance. This is precisely why hospital social counselling is so important. It offers professional support in difficult life situations when patients and their relatives are confronted with social, financial or emotional challenges. The counselling helps to find solutions that often make it easier to get out of stressful situations. It is not a sign of weakness, but of strength to seek help. Everyone has the right to this support, regardless of their situation. Nobody should be ashamed of taking advantage of this valuable help - it is available to everyone and can make a decisive contribution to improving quality of life.

Portrait photo of Claudia von Ow

Claudia von Ow

Head of Social Counselling

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