American Cancer Society Hope Lodge—Worcester
7 Oak Street
Worcester, MA 01604
508-792-2985
Staying With Us
The Hope Lodge is available for adults receiving outpatient cancer treatment who live more than 40 miles away from their treatment center. Their treatment must require a three-day or longer stay in that area. Patients must be able to care for themselves. They are allowed one adult guest to stay with them in their room.
Additional Guest Requirements
Guests must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Upon arrival, provide the Hope Lodge with proof of a permanent residence. Documents such as a driver's license, utility bill, or state identification card will be accepted.
- Agree to stay at the Hope Lodge only between the start and end date for treatment, as specified on the referral form
- Be in active cancer treatment with standard accepted protocols
- Not be on parole for a felony charge, or have been convicted of a felony in the past 5 years
- Agree to be admitted no sooner than one day prior to treatment initiation
- Agree to vacate the Lodge no later than 24 hours following completion of treatment
- Be able to evacuate the building in case of an emergency
- Abstain from smoking or drinking on the property
Admission Process
To stay at the Hope Lodge, you must be referred by your physician or healthcare professional. The Hope Lodge staff will coordinate with your healthcare professional to put your name on our waiting list. It is advisable to initiate the referral process well in advance of the first date of treatment, as patients are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Download our referral form.
What to Bring
The Hope Lodge provides the essentials: towels, blankets, sheets, pillows, laundry detergent, etc.
However, to make the Hope Lodge more 'home-like,' many guests will bring the following from home:
- Extra pillows
- Favorite towel
- Personal items to make your room more home-like (pictures, stuffed animal, etc.)
- Your food selections (you will have your own kitchen space)
- Personal products (shampoo, razors, etc.)
Hope Lodge Worcester offers free transportation to and from treatment, free laundry facilities including soap, kitchen facilities, and complimentary dinners at least once a week.
In addition to these practical services, the Lodge offers American Cancer Society programs to help you learn how to manage the physical, emotional, and practical challenges cancer brings.
The following are some of the programs regularly held in the Worcester and Boston area. Unless otherwise stated, all programs are free and open to all cancer patients, their families and friends, and to cancer survivors, as well.
Look Good...Feel Better (for women only)
Learn how to overcome the physical side effects of cancer treatment. A professional cosmetologist will show you on how to enhance your appearance with make-up lessons, skin care, and wigs and scarves. Ask your Hope Lodge staff for details.
Community-hosted Dinners
Volunteer groups regularly provide dinners for all Hope Lodge guests. Join us for good food, friendship, and fun.
Newsletters
Summer 2012
Spring 2012
Fall 2011
Sign up for New Connections, an American Cancer Society newsletter tailored to fit the needs of caregivers and cancer patients in treatment.
