Private Home Health Care for Cancer Patients
Home health aides (HHAs) play an immensely important role in assisting cancer patients, and their families, especially as it concerns better managing the condition at home. The highly-trained and professional HHAs of City Choice Home Care Services can provide this needed service.
Our In-Home Health Care Services for Cancer Patients
- Medication Management
- Cognitive Stimulation
- Help with Lifestyle Changes
- Create Supportive Environment
- Caregiver Support
- Remain in Familiar Environment
- Provide Personalized Care
- Safety Measures
- Emotional Support
The Disease Called Cancer. What Is It and How to Manage It.
Cancer is a word used to describe a large group of genetic diseases whose main characteristics is the the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.
The accumulating mass of abnormal cells forms a tumor, which can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Types and Classifications of Cancer
Cancer is classified based on its tissue of origin and the extent of its growth and spread. The major categories include:
- Carcinomas: These cancers originate in the epithelial cells, which cover the body’s surfaces and line the internal organs. The most common forms are lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers..
- Sarcomas: Sarcomas develop in the connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, and cartilage.
- Leukemias: Leukemias are cancers of the blood-forming tissues, primarily the bone marrow and blood itself.
- Lymphomas: Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes and spleen.
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancer: These cancers, including glioblastoma and medulloblastoma, develop in the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms And Management of Cancer
The symptoms of cancer can vary widely depending on the type, location, and stage of the disease. However, there are some common signs that can be indicative of cancer. These include:
Some of which are:
- Weight Loss: Significant, unintentional weight loss can be a sign of various cancers, particularly if it occurs rapidly.
- Fatigue: Persistent and unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest is a common symptom of cancer.
- Pain: Ongoing pain that doesn’t have an apparent cause should be investigated, as it can be associated with various cancers .
- Skin Changes: Skin changes like darkening, yellowing, or redness, as well as new moles or growths, should be examined by a medical professional.
- Changes in Bowel and Bladder Habits:
Persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits, including blood in stools or urine, can be a sign of colorectal, bladder, or other cancers.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing, known as dysphagia, can be linked to cancers of the throat, esophagus, or stomach.
- Persistent Cough: A cough that lingers and doesn’t respond to treatment could be associated with lung cancer.
Care Options for Cancer Patients
In-home care for cancer patients offers the advantage of allowing the patient to remain in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of their home while receiving the support they need.
This home care support can either come in the form of visiting care or live-in care. In either case, trained caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), medication management, and emotional support, enabling patients to maintain a sense of independence and continuity.
Also known as supportive care for cancer patients, the primary objective of cancer palliative care is to improve the patient’s quality of life by helping to manage the many symptoms of the disease, or the side effects of treatment.
Hospice Care for cancer patients refers to the care that is usually given to patients for whom there is no hope for a treatment or cure, and who are in the last months of their life.
It also involves, or is another type of palliative or supportive care because it also involves managing the symptoms of the disease. However, this care is given with the expectation that the patient will not recover and is at their end-of-life stage.
The Role of Home Health Care Aides in Managing Cancer
Home health aides play a crucial role in supporting individuals and their families, who deal with one form of cancer or the other. Some of the ways in which they provide comfort and assistance include:
- Personal Care: They assist with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, some of which can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
- Medication Management: HHAs help patients take their medications as prescribed, ensuring they follow their treatment plan.
- Health Monitoring: Health Aides will also make it a point of duty to stay on top of regularly monitoring the vital signs of their patients and reporting any significant changes to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
- Emotional Support: Cancer can be emotionally challenging for both the patient and their family. An HHA can be a source of companionship and emotional support for them.
- Transportation: Health Caregivers can transport and/or accompany their patient to medical appointments or other outings.
- Rehabilitation Support: Home health care aides can also provide support for patients undergoing physical or occupational therapy.
- Mobility Assistance: They help cancer sufferers move around the house, and therefore, reducing the risk of falls and injuries that can arise from their coordination difficulties.
- Household Tasks: Light household tasks can also be undertaken by these aides as needed.
- And much more
FAQs About Our Cancer at Home Health Care Services
Our aides are well-trained and experienced in caring for individuals who live with cancer. Our agency understands the unique challenges and complexities associated with this disease and take special care to provide the highest level of support.
Yes, we are a Licensed Home Care Service Agency that serve all boroughs of New York City, and other major cities across New York State. We also carry all necessary insurances.
Our agency has established protocols for handling emergencies or medical issues to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients. Our protocols include conducting an immediate assessment and contacting all necessary emergency contacts.
Yes, certain private insurances and Medicaid covers home care for cancer patients.
Yes, our agency can staff a wide variety of time frames.
Ensuring continuity of care is essential in the home care of all our patients, just as it is with cancer patients. Our agency has documented strategies and policies in place to handle caregiver absences or vacations to minimize disruption to the client’s routine and care.
Matching caregivers with clients to ensure a good fit in terms of personality and needs is a critical aspect of home care, especially for cancer sufferers. The process begins with an initial assessment of the client’s needs and preferences. A Registered Nurse from the agency will meet with the client, and if applicable, their family members to gather information about the patient. This assessments helps in created a personalized care plan. The agency will then use this information to match the most appropriate caregiver for the patient.
Yes, as a licensed home care service provider, we can certainly help with meal preparation and accommodate dietary restrictions since proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of our clients.
Yes, as a licensed home care service provider, we will create a written care plan that is tailored to your loved one’s specific needs. This care plan will serve as a comprehensive guide for our caregivers, outlining the services, schedule, and special considerations required to provide the best care possible for your loved one. The care plan will be developed in collaboration with you and your loved one, taking into account their medical, personal, and emotional needs. We are committed to delivering personalized care that addresses your loved one’s unique circumstances and goals.
Absolutely. Supporting cancer patients and their families often involves more than just in-home care. Some additional services and resources that you can turn to are:
The Cost of Home Care for Cancer Patients.
Generally speaking, the cost of caring for a cancer patient will often be influenced by factors like the type of cancer in question, the recommended treatment option, how long the treatment is expected to take, the location of the treatment, and the type and availability of health and supplemental insurance.
These costs can generally be classified under direct and indirect costs, and, medical and non-medical costs.
In addition to all the costs that go with living with or treating cancer, some patients may sometimes have to shoulder the added burden of having to pay for home care.
These cancer home care costs will usually be borne by patients, or their families, who need external help in caring for the patient.
The options to pay for home care for cancer patients will usually range from private, or out-of-pocket pay, health and/or supplemental insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, and charitable donations.
Our Other Chronic Home Health Care Services
Our home health care services are provided by various licensed medical and allied healthcare professionals like Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s), Physical Therapists (PTs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and Home Health Aides (HHAs).
Other Services We Offer
Become A Caregiver
at City Choice
Are you looking for a rewarding career that offers great experience, competitive pay and flexibility? Become a home-care aide with City Choice Home Care!
Our goal is to provide quality health care to our clients with the most qualified and compassionate staff available. If you’re already a certified home healthcare aide or if you’re looking to become a caregiver for a loved one through our CDPAP program, City Choice has an opportunity for you.
If you’re looking to make a real difference in the lives of others while getting the compensation you deserve, please reach out to us today!
