8.5 8.5 Home Care for Cancer Patients Being cared for at home often helps a cancer patient feel more comfortable and secure. Many patients want to stay at home so that they will not be separated from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Home care often involves a team approach that i ncludes doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, family members, and others. The doctor, nurse, or social worker can provide information about the patient's needs and about the availability of home care services.
Home care can be both rewarding and demanding for the patient and caregivers.
It often changes relationships and requires addressing new issues and coping with unfamiliar details of the patient's care. To help prepare for these changes, patients and car egivers are encouraged to ask questions and get as much information as possible from the home care team. A hospital social worker or discharge planning nurse who is familiar with community resources can help with the transition from hospital to home. Community resources may include transportation to appointments or services for people on a limited income. The state or local health department is another important resource in finding home care services.