Cancer : People in the Hospital

by National Cancer Institute

(Page 11 of 14)

Many hospitals have people on staff to help make your stay a little easier.

Patient advocates can help when you have a problem or concern that you don't feel you can discuss with your doctor, nurse, or social worker. They can act as a bridge between you and your health care team.

Discharge planners work with you and your family to help you get ready to leave the hospital. The discharge planner helps with tasks like making follow-up appointments and making sure you have things you need at home.

Volunteers often visit with patients in the hospital and offer comfort and support. They may also bring books, puzzles, or other things to do. Many volunteers have had cancer themselves. Let a hospital staff member know if you want to meet with a volunteer.

Caregivers

Caregivers are the people who help with your daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, or eating. Caregivers are often family members or close friends. Just like you, your caregivers need help and support. Ways to help your caregiver include:

• building a team
• keeping your caregivers informed
• finding extra help
• doing what you can to help your caregiver
• showing your caregiver that you care

Build a Team

Build a team of caregivers so that you don't have to depend on just one person. With a team, people can take turns with tasks such as:

• washing your hair or giving you a backrub
• going food shopping or cooking a meal for you
• driving you to the doctor's office
• doing errands like going to the bank or post office
• cleaning the kitchen or mowing your lawn
• picking up your children after school

Keep Your Caregivers Informed

Make sure your caregivers know about your treatment and care. Ask your doctor or nurse to talk with the person who helps you the most. Suggest they talk about your cancer and its treatment and also what to do in case of an emergency.

You can help by:

Making a list of important phone numbers. This list should have the phone numbers of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, family members, neighbors, friends, and spiritual leaders. Keep copies of this list next to each phone in your house.

Letting your caregivers know about the drugs you take. Make an up-to-date list of all your drugs. Include the name of each drug, as well as how much of this drug you take and how often you need to take it. Be sure to also let your caregivers know about side effects to watch for and if you have any drug allergies.

Telling your caregivers about important paperwork. Let your caregivers know where you keep a copy of your insurance policies, social security papers, living will or advance directive, and power of attorney form.

Find Help Where You Live

Many towns have community volunteers. These people offer help to others near where they live or work. Here are some ways to find volunteers:

• Look in your local newspaper.
• Ask at your hospital, library, or place of worship.
• Call your state or local health department.
• Contact the Cancer Information Service and ask how to find volunteer programs near you.

Some towns also have services such as respite care, home care, and hospice.

Respite Care programs arrange for someone else to stay with you while your caregivers take time off. To learn more about respite care, call your local hospital, home care agency, or hospice program.

Home Care programs arrange for you to receive skilled nursing care or help with personal tasks such as bathing or dressing in your own home. Your doctor needs to order these services. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you want to learn more.

Hospice can be a great source of comfort and support to people who are dying. It can help with medical care and be a way for people who are dying and their families to talk about their feelings. In some towns, hospice can also help with respite care. Let your doctor know if you want to learn more about a hospice near you.

Take Care of Your Caregivers

Cancer and its treatment are hard on everyone, even the people who take care of you. Encourage your caregivers to take time off so they can do errands, enjoy hobbies, or simply have a rest.

Your caregivers might want to join a support group and meet others who are also caring for people with cancer. To find a group nearby, contact your local hospital or cancer center.

Watch for signs of depression in your caregivers. If you think that one of them is depressed, talk to him or her about it. Urge your caregiver to seek professional help. Let him or her know that other people can help you while they are taking care of themselves.

Show That You Care

Try to keep your sense of humor. If you like to joke with your friends and family, don't stop now. It's okay to laugh at things that make you upset. For many people, humor is a way to gain a sense of control. A woman who just had cancer surgery said,

"I had a lot of tubes and such hooked up to me after my surgery, and I could tell it made some of my visitors uncomfortable. When I noticed them staring at all the high-tech stuff, I'd make a joke about being the 'Bionic Woman.' They'd laugh at that and relax, and then we'd be able to talk."

And remember to say "thank you." Let your caregivers know that you value their help, support, and love.

Summing Up: People Helping People

People who have cancer often find that their needs change because of their cancer. The tasks of daily life become harder to manage. Feelings can be intense. And spiritual questions loom larger than ever before.

Even though their needs are greater, it is hard for many people with cancer to ask for help. Many people do not know where to look for the help they need.

People you can turn to for help include:

Family and friends. Most people are happy to find out that something they have to offer--a meal, a ride to the doctor, a phone call--is helpful to you. They may want to offer you help but do not know what you need or want.

Others who also have cancer. People who have been through cancer often share a special bond with one another. Sharing what you have been through with others and hearing how they have coped can be a source of strength for you.

Support groups. There are many types of groups. Think about what you would like in a group and talk to your health care provider to help you find that type of group.

Spiritual help, which can come from your church, synagogue, or other religious center. Or you may find that reading, talking with others, and meditating or praying provide you with a sense of peace and strength.

Health care providers both in the community and in the hospital. A whole range of specially trained people are available to help you meet all your needs.

Caregivers, who provide your day-to-day care. As they care for you, remind them that they need to care for their own needs as well.

About the Author

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