Choosing A Great Assisted Living Center

Some Types Of In Home Care You May Receive When You're Dealing With Cancer

11 September 2017 by Amanda Palmer

Fighting cancer can be a long battle that's difficult to do on your own. Fighting the disease takes much of your strength, so you may have little energy left for cooking, bathing, and getting the movement and exercise you need. Getting in home care can make all the difference in the quality of your life and it can take stress off your family as well. These are some services you might receive at home during your cancer treatment and battle towards recovery.

Nursing Care

You can often stay at home even when you need skilled care as long as there is a nurse to train your family and supervise your care. This means you may not have to go to the hospital just to have an IV or receive pain medication by injection. A visiting nurse also offers support for your family members who may not feel confident in their ability to manage your medications or your medical needs.

Social Services

You may be able to arrange a visit from a social worker. This can be very helpful if you need help connecting with social services in your community that can help with managing your affairs as you go through the process of fighting cancer. Social services can also help with counseling for you and your family and connect you with volunteers and others in the community that can support you with companionship as well as practical matters such as transportation to chemotherapy treatments if needed.

Personal Care

When you're sick and weak, you may not feel like bathing or washing your hair. However, you'll probably feel much better if you are clean, plus cleanliness helps ward off infections. With in home care, you can have an aide or nursing assistant help with things like bathing each morning, changing your bed linens, and getting dressed. In addition, the aide may fix your meals and help you eat so you can maintain good nutrition and not lose too much weight.

Physical And Occupational Therapy

A physical or occupational therapist may come to your home to help with your mobility. An occupational therapist can help you learn to use any mobility device you may need and also make sure your home is set up to ensure your safety. A physical therapist might teach you exercises that keep your joints limber and prevent muscle weakening while you are inactive.

You may not need all these services, but you should know they are usually available if you need them at home. When you sign up with in home care, a nurse usually makes the initial visit to determine your needs and come up with a care plan that's tailored to your individual situation. That way you get the help you need most so you are as comfortable as possible at home.

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