Cancer

Cancer is a challenge most families will face at some point in their life.  It is well documented that those suffering from or in remission of cancer feel more comfortable and secure being cared for at home. Being in familiar surroundings can bring a sense of control and optimism to the patient – both of which may contribute to increased focus and energy in fighting this terrible disease.  Home care can help patients to remain in their homes without the additional fear of being alone or experiencing an accident without someone to quickly reach out and provide aid.

Cancer patients do not suffer alone.  It is important to understand the impact cancer can have on the entire family.  It is not uncommon for relationships to grow strained and for stress levels to reach new heights as each member of the family seeks to cope with the new realities cancer thrusts upon them. Our caregivers are skilled in the facilitation of this process; we strongly encourage you to ask questions and get as much information as possible from the home care team or organizations devoted to home care. This is a new event in your life filled with unique experiences.  Speaking with people who have been through the process many times can bring a sense of comfort and increased knowledge

Your EssentialCare Support Staff is available to provide non-medical aid and input.  A doctor, nurse, or social worker can provide information about a patient’s specific needs, the availability of home care services, and a list of local home care agencies.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled reproduction of cells, and usually results in a tumor. There are many medical terms used to describe the causes, effects and treatments of cancer, which can all be very confusing and overwhelming to people who have no experience with the disease.

The frequency of a particular cancer may depend on gender. While skin cancer is the most common type of malignancy for both men and women, the second most common type in men is prostate cancer and in women, breast cancer.

Benign tumors are NOT cancer; malignant tumors are cancer. It is important to note that Cancer is NOT contagious.

How we can help?

• Engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as games and other activities
• Ensure that the household activities are cared for so that your Senior can focus on recovering his or her health
  
• Provide a safety mechanism with quick access to medical staff should the need arise
• Helping with healthy meal planning and proper diet
• Being present with encouragement and conversation during the highs and the lows

Specific Tasks EssentialCare may Perform

• Meal planning
• Cooking
• Plan meals according to taste/diet
• Serve meals
• Wash dishes
• Light housekeeping – kitchen cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, bathroom, . . . etc
• Launder bed linens
• Ironing
• Change linens
• Organize rooms and closets
• Errands
• Grocery shopping
• Garbage removal
• Vacuuming
• Make beds
• Dust furniture
• Drop off and pick up dry cleaning
• Pick up prescriptions
• Assist with pet care
• Escort to appointments
• Escort for lunch or dinner
• Escort for shopping and errands
• Attend plays and concerts
• Escort to religious services
• Attend club meetings and sporting events

We also facilitate proper hygiene and can help to coordinate critical activities such as the timely taking of medicines, medical appointment assistance and escort, and the documentation of patient progress.  Specifically, skilled EssentialCare caregivers can help with:

• Proper Bathing
• Bed bath
• Shower
• Sponge bath
• Shaving
• Shampoo
• Oral care
• Brush teeth
• Denture care
• Dressing
• Grooming
• Comb or brush hair
• Skin care
• Assist with nail care
• Change adult briefs
• Assist with incontinence
• Assisting with bedpan
• Assisting with urinal
• Assisting with commode
• Reposition bed-bound clients to help prevent bedsores
• Assist with active range-of-motion activities
• Transfers
• Ambulation
• Feeding
• Assist to bathroom
• Medication reminders
• Maintain fluids
• Notate food intake
• Notate urinary output
• Notate bowel function