Cynthia Merritt, LCSW, Joins Hospice by RVNA

RVNA is pleased to announce that Cynthia Merritt, LCSW, has joined the staff of Hospice by RVNA. As our Hospice Social Worker, Merritt will be dedicated to supporting, comforting, and educating hospice patients and their families. She will also collaborate with the Hospice by RVNA medical director and nurses, as well as chaplains in the community to ensure that each patient’s medical, emotional, and spiritual needs are fully met.

Merritt began her career as a medical assistant and office manager for an obstetrician’s practice. There she found herself advocating for patients regarding insurance issues, as well as more personal issues such as pregnancy loss. This experience prompted her to become a medical claims advocate, before making what she calls a natural transition to social work. Her areas of interest include quality of life issues related to chronic illness and end-of-life care. Prior to joining RVNA, Merritt was Director of Social Services for Sharon Health Care Center whose services include hospice care.

Merritt, who holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, says there are a lot of misnomers about what “hospice” means. “It’s more than symptom management and making a patient physically comfortable,” she says. “It’s about empowering individuals to identify their wishes and make their own choices when dealing with a life-limiting illness. Beyond that, it’s about helping patients and their loved ones share their time in the most meaningful way – whatever that means to them.”

“We’re thrilled to have Cindy join our team,” says Leslie Chiaramonte, Director of Hospice by RVNA. “With her social work experience, and her previous work as both a patient advocate and hospice volunteer, she brings a unique perspective to her role. She’s a valuable addition to the RVNA family.”

A resident of South Kent, CT, Merritt and her husband have three children and eight grandchildren.

Hospice by RVNA is licensed and currently in the final accreditation stage.

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Submitted by New Milford, CT

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