Cancer Care at Home

In our latest Bluebird Care Wandsworth blog we look at some of the organisations who can help provide cancer care at home.

Statistics show that someone is diagnosed with cancer every 2 minutes in the UK. Sadly, it’s a disease almost all of us will have to deal with at some point in our lives, either directly or indirectly. Whatever the prognosis, a cancer diagnosis is life-changing. One common thing people living with cancer worry about is losing the ability to care for themselves at home and facing an eventual move into a care environment.

Fortunately, there are organisations that recognise how important it is for people to be able to stay in the comfort and safety of their own home at what can be a very difficult time. If you find yourself in the position of needing more care at home for yourself or a loved one who has cancer, here are some of the places you can turn to for support.
 

Macmillan Cancer Support

Most of us have heard of Macmillan Cancer Support nurses and the incredible work they do in the community. Highly trained in cancer care, pain management and palliative care, they can give patients and their families support throughout their journey with cancer - from an initial needs assessment all the way through to end-of-life care. Whatever concerns someone may have about their disease and treatment, the financial implications of their condition or getting more emotional support, Macmillan are there to help. As a charity, they rely on fundraising to provide their specialist nurses and services but they are an invaluable part of community cancer care in the UK.
 

Marie Curie Nurses

Founded in the year the NHS began, the Marie Curie charity’s nurses have been providing palliative care to people who are terminally ill for over 70 years. Unlike Macmillan, Marie Curie care is specifically designed for people who are nearing the end of life.  From planned care to emergency response services, Marie Curie nurses and healthcare assistants offer a range of care packages designed to help people spend their final days in comfort at home. Typically, they may help with a few hours of day respite or overnight and weekend care. Like Macmillan, they’re another charity of inestimable value to cancer patients and their families.

Royal Trinity Hospice

We’re privileged to partner with this organisation who provide community end-of-life services across South London. A hugely important resource for terminally ill people in the Wandsworth area and beyond, Royal Trinity Hospice provides vital support services. Their specialist team of doctors, nurses, counsellors, occupational therapists and befriending volunteers give practical and emotional support in the community.

They also run the Wandsworth Care Co-ordination Service, for which Bluebird Care Wandsworth is a preferred care provider. The service gives people in our area a ‘one-stop-shop’ for palliative care, allowing them to stay living comfortably at home with the very best support.
 

Do you need cancer care at home?

If you live in the Wandsworth, Clapham and Streatham area and would like to know more about how our homecare services could support you or someone with cancer to live well at home, get in touch. From short, daily visits and respite care to waking nights or 24 hour care, we’re here to help. Just give our friendly team a call on 020 8877 4950.