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How Cancer Affects the Daily Living Activities of Patients

Sep 14, 2022

End-of-Life Care

caregivers-for-cancer-patient

Cancer is a disease that spreads rapidly, and sometimes the symptoms are so intense that they leave the patients physically incapable of carrying out daily activities. 

Cancer treatments are equally draining and can cause severe side effects. They often involve surgery, creating difficulty bending, lifting, squatting, or stretching. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy also cause side effects, including extreme fatigue, nausea, and severe weakness, making the patient incapable of leading a normal life. According to CDC, chemotherapy can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. 

What Are the Daily Living Activities of the Patients?

In 1963, Sidney Katz, MD, formulated a list of basic daily activities necessary for the independent living of the elderly. The index is still used as a medical assessment of seniors and patients needing care. With Newport Home Care, you can provide physical and emotional support for your loved ones, even while they are nearing the end of their life. Caregivers are considered a suitable option for cancer patients because they are trained to deal with uncertainty.

 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) include:

  • Feeding 
  • Bathing 
  • Dressing 
  • Toileting 
  • Transferring 

How Can Home Care Services Help Cancer Patients in Performing ADLs?

In-home caregivers can help patients in several ways by meeting their unique care requirements. They create the best plan to handle the worst situations. Apart from this, they are experts at providing:  

  • Personal hygiene and dressing: The caregivers help with bathing, brushing, toileting, and cleaning the patients when needed. They also help the patient get dressed. 

  • Assistance with Eating: The caregivers can also help prep meals and feed clients who struggle to make their way around the kitchen.

  • Transportation and transferring: Homecare service providers also offer transport services, enabling the patients to get to their hospital appointment or any other place they need to go. If required, the caregivers also help the patient move around the home.

  • Medication and exercise: The in-home caregivers ensure the patient takes their medications on time and stays active by exercising as per doctor instructions.

  • Companionship and socialization: Most in-home caregivers offer more than just physical assistance. They also provide much-needed companionship and encourage the patients to socialize. 

What Types of Care Services Can Help Cancer Patients?

If you or your loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, undergoing treatment, and finding it difficult to live your daily life and require assistance, consider hiring home care services. You can pay only for the care you need. The most popular home care for cancer patients includes:

In-home Care

In-home care is ideal for cancer patients who still can perform some ADLs and require assistance but aren't completely dependent on the support of another. In-home caregivers are trained to ensure the patients receive the non-medical help they need while keeping them active. 

End-of-life Care  

End-of-life care, or hospice care, is usually given to patients when it has been established that they will not survive. This type of care involves not just physical assistance but providing mental support, emotional comfort, and practical help. Hospice caregivers are sensitive to their duty toward the patient and ensure they feel comforted. 

Palliative Care

Palliative care is given to patients requiring physical and mental support during treatment. Generally opted for seniors in the last stage of their lives and terminally ill patients, palliative caregivers provide both in-home and hospice care. According to WHO, palliative care improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing challenges associated with life-threatening physical, psychological, social, or spiritual illnesses. 

Get a Helping Hand for Your Loved Ones with Newport Home Care

Life may not be easy for cancer survivors, and watching your loved one struggle with simple tasks is even harder. But with quality in-home care services, you or your loved one can receive the necessary assistance and stay in the best of health. 

If you are looking for standard and trusted in-home care in Newport Beach, CA, for cancer patients provided by professional, certified, trained, expert, and experienced caregivers, contact us at Newport Home Care.

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