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But these advances in cancer treatment have also made cancer care more
complex. Treatment often includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Frequent
tests are required to monitor the effects of treatment. And cancer treatments often go on
for months and then must be resumed if the disease comes back. As a result, younger
persons with cancer and their families must be prepared to cope with a wide range of
physical, emotional, and social consequences of the disease and treatments for extended
periods of time. In addition, as time in the hospital is shortened and as more and more
treatments are given in the clinic, family caregivers are taking on more responsibility
for providing care. Therefore, family caregivers have become increasingly important
members of the health care team. They are assuming many caregiving responsibilities that,
until recently, had been carried out by health professionals. Health professionals now
rely on family caregivers, not only to provide support and encouragement to the young
person with cancer, but also to manage medications, help control symptoms and side
effects, and report problems that require professional intervention.
It is our experience that family caregivers can carry out these
responsibilities very well, if they have clear guidance from health professionals. Since
family caregivers are members of the health care team, they need to deal with problems the
same way that other team members do and to work cooperatively with health professionals.
The home care plans give this guidance. They have been written by cancer care
professionals with many years of experience and with help from home caregivers. The plans
give you the information you need to solve problems, including understanding the problem,
when to get professional help, what you can do on your own, possible obstacles, and how to
carry out and adjust the plan. This is the same kind of information that health
professionals use to solve medical problems.
The home care plans also help health professionals to monitor and guide
care that is given at home. If family caregivers follow these plans, then professional
staff know that family caregivers are following procedures recommended by cancer care
professionals. Furthermore, since the plans tell when to call for professional help, staff
can be assured that, if the plans are followed, they will be kept informed when problems
need their attention.
Editor: Peter S. Houts, PhD
Associate Editors: John E. Neely, MD Donna M. Kandsberger, RN, MSN, CPON
Julia A. Bucher, RN, PhD Arthur M. Nezu, PhD Christine M. Nezu, PhD
Content development: Debra
Shade, RN, CPON
The Web version of this homecare guide was made possible through a grant from
The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State University.
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