You better mind yer parents, an' yer teachers fond and dear, An' churish them 'at loves you, ali dry the orphant's tear, An' help the pore an' needy ones 'at clusters all about, Er the Gobble-uns'll git you Ef you Don't Watch Out!

Erickson (1963) terms, "the end stage of life," through the lens of humor. These issues include: identity, self-esteem, heritage and culture, mortality, loss, and self-worth.

The growth of self-help groups relating to health and mental health agencies has been a significant phenomenon of the past decade. Self-help groups offer important benefits to their members as they provide a structure for mutual aid and support and a forum for social/legislative action around a felt social problem. As therapeutic and physical extenders of services they are of significance to professional providers. This paper provides a framework for the professional social worker to view the self-help phenomenon, presents a typology of self-help groups relating to health care agencies, and describes the role of social work in several self-help groups.

The social work role in discharge planning must include an advocacy function. This is important to facilitate discharge planning and can be carried out in three related areas: (1) political advocacy--to improve governmental programs, (2) resource development advocacy--to meet unmet needs; and (3) case advocacy--to ensure that programs are accessible and appropriate for eligible patients and families. This role is particularly suited for social workers because of their training and experience and should be included as part of their contribution to comprehensive health care.