Cancer in the Elderly: The Role Home Care Plays in Treatment



Cancer in the elderly[1. โ€œCancer in the Elderly,โ€ 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1500929/] is a diagnosis many people dread. Once it has been given, there is no going back to the way life was before. And, unfortunately, older adults are at a higher risk than younger ones for contracting the disease. A few of these reasons are related to genetics, but others are environmental. For example, the long-term effects of smoking have likely taken their toll by the time a person reaches their golden years.
However, there are ways to cope with the diagnosis and disease โ€”ย right in the patientโ€™s home.

Medical Management

Medical management โ€”ย typically by a licensed RN (Registered Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) โ€”ย is a critical need for most cancer patients. By now you may have heard of the term โ€œchemo brainโ€ โ€”ย a phrase used to describe the (mostly) short-term forgetfulness and foggy thinking that affect some chemotherapy patients. This very real phenomenon can make it difficult to remember to make medical appointments, sort out prescriptions, and the like. Medical management at home can fill this gap. Itโ€™s also helpful to the patient if someone else is dealing with mundane tasks associated with their illness, as it allows them to focus more on getting well.

Transportation

Transportation is often part of home care, whether an aide uses the patientโ€™s car or provides their own. After treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, patients are often exhausted, and in no shape to operate a vehicle. Having someone else drive them to and from doctorsโ€™ offices, labs, and tests is one of the biggest advantages of home care. An aide can also pick up their groceries, medications, and other essential items if needed.

Household Tasks

Chores like cooking and cleaning can be onerous enough for most of us, who may have full-time jobs, parenting responsibilities, and health issues of our own. But for an older adult who is also a cancer patient, they can be downright impossible. Who has the strength to vacuum, or move heavy pots and pans when theyโ€™re weak after chemo or radiation? Not to mention the energy that the illness itself saps from you, or the long recovery times after surgery. Hiring a home health aide for a few hours a week to deal with these issues can make an enormous difference in a patientโ€™s quality of life.

Emotional Support

Cancer takes a toll on its victims that isnโ€™t only physical, but also emotional. Like many other chronic diseases, the unrelenting parade of pain, discomfort, doctorsโ€™ appointments, tests, treatments, and moreย can wear down even the most stoic among us. The home care offered by aides includes the intangible aspects of emotional support through listening and companionship. Aides can also do activities with your loved one when you canโ€™t be there, which may enhance their emotional well-being. And while joy itself has not been shown to cure any disease, there is evidence that a positive state of mind can promote health in the body.[2. โ€œHow Positive Thinking Can Improve Your Health,โ€ October 3, 2013, https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/03/optimism-and-health_n_4031688.html]

Family Time

All the things above have an unexpected benefit that can help your loved one cope: they allow that loved one to spend more time with you. If you would ordinarily be doing tasks such as cleaning, preparing meals, making doctorsโ€™ appointments, et cetera, suddenly, all those hours are freed up. You can then use them to engage in whatever pastime your loved one enjoys, giving them the most precious medicine of all: your love and attention.

Coping with Cancer in the Elderly at Home

If youโ€™re the caretaker of an older adult, you want to do everything possible to prevent cancer in the elderly. However, since that is not always possible, helping them treat and cope with their illness at home may be the next best option. Talk to your loved one today about the possibility of home care, and let them know what it can do for them. At the very least, you will show the person you care about that their battle with cancer is not one they have to fight alone.
If you are unsure of how to best help an aging loved one, the trained and compassionate staff at the Institute on Aging is here to help you make that decision and gain the best in at-home care for older adults. Contact us to find out more.

Picture of Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging

Related Posts

Questions?

Give our dedicated Client Service Specialists a call. We are ready to help.

Follow Us

October is the time to celebrate the history and contributions of Filipino Americans. Institute on Aging encourages everyone to reflect on the vibrant heritage and significant impact of Filipino Americans in our nation. Letโ€™s embrace this month as an opportunity to appreciate and learn more about the diverse tapestry that strengthens our community.

#FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth #InstituteOnAging #CulturalPride #HeritageAppreciation
๐ŸŒŸ Join Us at Aging Your Way! ๐ŸŒŸ

Come join us for a fun and informative event at @thewomensbuilding in the Mission! Aging Your Way celebrates thriving in the golden years, offering everyone from retirees to caregivers insights into graceful aging. Learn from experts about wellness, the latest in senior living and technology, and connect with others on the same journey.

๐Ÿ“ The Women's Building, 3543 18th St, San Francisco 94110
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Wednesday, October 9,2024. 10am-2pm

Thank you to our sponsors and attending organizations for making this possible. Donโ€™t miss out on insights and inspiration!

RSVP by visiting the link in our bio
#AgingYourWay #SeniorLiving #HealthAndWellness #SanFranciscoEvents