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Care Giving and Home Care FAQs
- What Services Are Available For Anyone With Cancer?
- Much of the care given to individuals with cancer is provided in the outpatient settings, including home care. In many ways, home care for the person with cancer is no different than the home care that is given to others. Home care services might involve those listed previously, such as skilled nursing services including those of an oncology nurse specialist, dietary and nutrition services, physical and occupational therapy, homemaker and home health aides, speech and respiratory therapy, supportive care, psychosocial support, volunteer services, pharmacy, and support from clergy. Many of these same services are also provided as part of hospice care. Some of the specific home care services needed as part of cancer care include administration of chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and blood products; pain management; antibiotic therapy; administration of nutritional support; antiemetic therapy; and hydration. All of these specific services are part of infusion therapy services that are now being offered by the majority of home care agencies because of the growing need of these services in the home.
- What Home Care Services Are Available?
- Through a home care agency, you can receive many of the same health care and support services available in a hospital...
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- How Can I Find A Home Care Agency?
- Finding the home care agency that meets your needs may take some research, but it will be time well spent. Quality of care, availability of needed services, personnel training and expertise, and coverage provided by the payor all need to be considered. Fortunately, most communities have a variety of providers to choose from. Here are several ways to start your search:
- Local resources: Talk with your doctor or hospital discharge planner about home care agencies in your area. Also check the yellow pages under "home care" and "nurses". Information and referral services may be available through the area Agency on Aging, United Way chapter, Visiting Nurse Association, or American Cancer Society. Your place of worship may also have this information. Ask friends in your community about their experiences with home health care organizations then consult with your doctor or nurse.
- State level: Contact your state’s department of health or social services to obtain a list of licensed agencies. If you are looking for a Medicare-certified agency, call the Medicare Hotline at 800-638-6833 or contact your state health department. Check in the blue pages of your phone book for phone numbers in your area.
- National level: The National Association for Home Care has a state-by-state data base of phone numbers for state organizations that maintain directories of home care and hospice agencies. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations also has information on accredited home care agencies.
- How Do I Choose The Right Home Care Provider?
- There are many important factors to consider in choosing the best agency to meet your needs. First you will want to decide what types of services you will need and find an agency that offers those services. Ask the agencies you are considering about their accreditation, license and certification. You'll also want to learn about the quality of cancer care, their experience with providing cancer care services, and the skills and training of personnel at the agencies you are considering.
- What Should I Ask About Home Care Agencies?
- There are a number of questions you might ask when considering a home care service...
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- Who Pays For Home Care?
- Home care services can be paid for directly by the patient and family or through several public and private sources...
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- What Do I Do About Quality Of Care Complaints?
- If you've selected your home health agency carefully, you'll probably avoid most problems...
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