Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis can be difficult for the individual and their loved ones, especially if they now require day-to-day assistance and monitoring. Cancer home care is designed to ensure that individuals with cancer are cared for where they feel most comfortable and at ease.
At Country Cousins, we believe that people living with cancer should still be able to live at home, where independence can be fostered and dignity upheld. Our fully trained, compassionate carers are on hand to provide specialist support tailored to your condition, circumstances and preferences.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body, developing when the body’s normal control mechanisms fail to function properly. Instead of dying, old cells grow out of control, forming new abnormal cells. These extra cells may form tumours, although this is not a requirement for cancer to develop.
Cancer can develop anywhere in the body. The most common form of cancer in men is located in the prostate, while for women, breast cancer is most prevalent. Lung and colorectal cancer are very common in both men and women.
There are five main categories of cancer:
- Carcinomas: Originates in the skin or tissues that line internal organs.
- Sarcomas: Develops in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or other connective tissues.
- Central nervous system: Develops in the brain or spinal cord.
- Leukaemia: Begins in the blood and bone marrow.
- Lymphomas: Starts in the immune system.
What Does Cancer Care at Home Include?
Caring for people with cancer can be challenging and emotionally taxing for family members, which is where professional care can prove invaluable. We’ll always do our best to support you and your loved ones through cancer care at home. Your matched home carer will provide the practical support, allowing you to concentrate on spending quality time together rather than having to focus on being a primary caregiver.
We understand that time with loved ones is precious after a cancer diagnosis, so whether you choose live-in or visiting cancer care, we’ll help you focus your time and energy on enjoying your time together.
Our cancer care is fully customisable to you and your loved one’s needs. We’ll sit down with you to create a personalised, fully tailored care plan that honours their wishes and requirements.
While this means our cancer care looks different for everyone, it could include:
- A personalised support plan: With home care, we work with you to create a fully tailored plan that meets your personal needs and preferences, ensuring your loved one receives the care they want.
- Comprehensive home assessment: Before our care begins, we’ll conduct a thorough home assessment to ensure your loved one receives the correct care from an experienced care professional.
- Access to professional carers: Our carers are available to your loved one 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- MatchCare program: Our specifically designed program is used to carefully select a carer who suits your clinical needs, personality and lifestyle.
- Dedicated care management: Benefit from regular reviews led by expert regional care managers, ensuring your loved one’s care is continually adapted to their changing needs.
- Daily support, monitoring and care: Our carers provide as much care as your loved one requires, from assistance with washing and dressing to companionship and emotional support.
- Mobility assistance: Your loved one can move around the home freely without fear of falling or hospital admission with the help of our carers.
- Support for the entire family: We’ll ensure the entire family is fully supported, both practically and emotionally.
- Post-treatment support: Our carers can accompany loved ones to and from appointments, help with treatment side effects, and monitor symptoms.
Benefits of Cancer Home Care with Country Cousins
There are plenty of benefits of cancer care at home delivered by Country Cousins, including:
- One-to-one care: An unrivalled quality of care by a dedicated carer who prioritises your loved one instead of having to share attention among clients.
- Complete care continuity: Instead of having several carers cycling through shifts, your loved one will be supported by one carer to help form a strong bond.
- Improved independence: Our carers focus on fostering and boosting independence, helping clients maintain the freedom to live life as they choose.
- Help with treatment management: Cancer treatments can be physically and emotionally taxing, and a professional caregiver can help monitor symptoms, manage side effects, and provide emotional support as needed.
- Nutritional support: A professional caregiver can assist with meal preparation and planning, helping clients reap the benefits of a balanced diet.
- Relief from household chores: Carers provide adequate time for rest and recuperation after treatment by taking over domestic chores, such as cleaning, laundry and shopping.
- Lowers the risk of complications: Professional carers are available to assist clients as needed and can monitor symptoms, thereby reducing the risk of infection and illness.
- Companionship: Cancer can be isolating, especially during treatment when side effects are at their worst. A carer can provide companionship as often as it’s needed.
Why Is Cancer Care Best at Home?
Cancer care can be provided in various settings, including hospice or residential care facilities. However, most clients prefer to be cared for from the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their belongings and familiar comforts.
Not only is it more convenient to be surrounded by loved ones in a familiar neighbourhood, but the comfort of remaining at home can also improve quality of life. Studies have shown that home-based care can improve a patient’s overall quality of life and sense of control over daily routines.
Cancer care at home is often more cost-effective than other forms of care, especially extended hospice stays and residential care homes. Home care provides better value for money as your loved one’s carer will be able to focus solely on their needs rather than on several residents.
To continue reading about how you can help, we have a helpful guide on supporting someone with cancer at home.
Why Choose Country Cousins for Cancer Home Care
At Country Cousins, we’re proud to offer bespoke, compassionate care from a team of fully trained, experienced carers. Whether your loved one has recently received their diagnosis and needs emotional support or is currently undergoing treatment, our carers are committed to providing comprehensive assistance as frequently as required.
The care we provide includes:
- One-to-one support at home
- Completely bespoke live-in care that has been tailored to you
- Specialist care for a number of different circumstances
- Home carers carefully matched to your needs
- CQC rated ‘Outstanding’ live-in care services
Country Cousins provides live-in options for clients. We use our fully customisable care plans as living documents to ensure your loved one always receives the correct level of care for their present needs, instilling independence, dignity and confidence.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
