Day-to-Day Needs

People with cancer sometime have serious, even life-threatening, events. You are less likely to be surprised by emergencies if you’ve learned about the person’s illness, and know what to expect.

Most homes are not designed for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Follow these tips to improve home safety. You might also ask a home healthcare worker to check the home for hazards.

During treatment, the person with cancer may need to go to the hospital or clinic often over the course of many weeks. Because treatment can cause weakness, pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, he or she may not be able to drive him or herself.

Many people find it hard to balance work and caregiving. Medical appointments and other tasks can interrupt your work day. You may be sleeping poorly or distracted by feelings of anger, depression, or anxiety. You may find yourself working few hours or not as well.

Cancer can be a huge financial burden on families. Many treatment-related costs are not covered by insurance. You may also have additional, non-medical expenses like transportation, in-home care, childcare, etc.

People with cancer often take many medications both for their cancer as well as for other chronic health problems. Following the doctor’s orders can be hard when some need to be taken with food, some without, some in the morning, some at bedtime, some as needed, some once a day, and others multiple times a day or even around the clock.

If you stay in touch with healthcare providers treating the cancer, you’ll likely have a better understanding of the disease and treatment. You’ll be better able to help the patient make decisions, and better able to anticipate his or her needs.