|
Much of the care given to people with cancer is done in an
outpatient setting, which includes home care. In many ways, home care
for the person with cancer is no different than the home care that is
given to people with other kinds of illness. Home care services could
include those listed above. Help with diet and nutrition, physical
therapy, home health aides, speech and respiratory therapy, personal
care, emotional support, volunteer services, pharmacy, support from
clergy, and other kinds of care may be needed for a person with cancer.
Skilled nursing might involve an oncology nurse specialist, who is an
expert in cancer care. Many of these same services are also offered as
part of hospice care.
Some of the home care services needed by a person with cancer
might include:
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy or biologic therapy (which use different
parts of the body's immune system to fight cancer or lessen the side
effects of some cancer treatments)
- blood products
- pain management
- antibiotic treatment
- nutritional support
- anti-emetic therapy (treatment for vomiting)
- hydration (giving of fluids, usually IV or through a
feeding tube, for patients who cannot drink enough liquids).
All of these infusion therapy services are offered by most
home care agencies and these services can sometimes be given in the
home.
Last Medical Review: 05/19/2009
Last Revised: 05/19/2009
|
