This week's artwork was donated by Dathan, a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia . National Cancer Institute Home Care for Cancer Patients Cancer patients often feel more comfortable and secure being cared for at home. Many patients want to stay at home so that they will not be separated from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Home care can help patients achieve this desire. It often involves a team approach that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, family members, and others.
Home care can be both rewarding and demanding for patients and care givers.
It can change relationships and require families to address new issues and cope with all aspects of patient care. To help prepare for these changes, patients and care givers are encouraged to ask questions and get as much information as possible from the home care team or organizations devoted to home care. A doctor, nurse, or social worker can provide information about patients' specific needs, the availability of home care services, and a list of local home care agencies. The state or local health department is another important resource in finding home care services. The health department should have a registry of licensed home care agencies.