Cancer Patients receive health care and supportive services from a certified home nursing expert in the comfort of their own home. An individual may require home care following surgery or a protracted hospital stay. Some cancer patients may require long-term home care during and after treatment.

There are a variety of reasons why you should employ a professional caregiver to assist you at home. Home care, for example, can help you and your family spend less time in the hospital. This covers advanced cancer patients receiving home hospice care. People who are undergoing treatment or recovering at home benefit significantly from home care.

Family caregivers can get the support they need to care for the patient with this type of extra help. They will also be able to take constant breaks, which also gives them an opportunity to take care of themselves. 

Benefits of Home Nursing Care for cancer treatment

In circumstances where the patient or the healthcare team must manage some of the symptoms and side-effects of cancer treatment, cancer nursing at home might be beneficial. Nursing staff from the home healthcare provider are qualified and experienced in operations such as chemotherapy, port flushing, patient counselling, nutrition and diet monitoring, and so on. The following are some of the other advantages:

The risk of hospital-acquired infections is low when cancer patients receive care at home.

One can complete chemotherapy sessions and other follow-up treatments in the comfort of the patient's own home.

Because the number of hospital visits decreases, family members can save time and energy as well.

Home cancer care meets hospital standards and allows patients to heal in comfortable circumstances.

Specialized In-Home Health Care for Cancer Patients

 With the help of advanced cancer treatments and changes in the health care systems, hospital stays have become much shorter. However, some of the patients will usually need specialized and personalized assistance as they are undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Trained nurses provide temporary and ongoing care so that the cancer patient remains safe and comfortable at home. 

 The benefits of cancer patients home care facilities aren't new. Studies have been carried out to find out the effects of home nursing care and standard office care for several patients diagnosed with progressive lung cancer. However, there were no signs of differences in pain; significant differences in symptom distress, dependency, and health perceptions were seen. 

These results show that home care helps cancer patients when they are undergoing a lot of stress and mental issues from symptoms and maintaining their independence for more time. From helping them with day to day activities and housekeeping to make sure they get support during pain, infection, rashes, nausea, anaemia and other complications and also makes them as comfortable as possible. 

  What types of professionals provide home care?

There are several types of professional home care providers who can assist an individual diagnosed with cancer. These can also include different types of training, education, and certification courses. 

The different types of providers include :

Registered nurse or licensed practical nurse - An authorized practical nurse, who is also a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN), can be there to provide health care in your home. But the type of care these licensed professionals provide at home may be different. A registered nurse will need a degree in nursing who also needs to attend an exam and is equipped with a certificate by his or her state they work in to provide home health care. A licensed practical nurse offers primary medical care that includes managing the medications and other small activities.

Certified nursing assistant, home health aide, or home care aide - Certified nursing assistant, home health aid and home care aide are health care providers who help with daily tasks that include dressing, using the toilet, taking a bath, and other day-to-day activities. These providers also receive a training to offer services like bruise care and also in the management of medications. Home health aides and home care aids connect with their patients on their own but are led by medical professionals.

Personal attendants or personal care aides can assist with small house activities like cleaning, laundry, and cooking. However, Personal attendants or personal care aides do not offer any medical services and administer medication. 

Companion- For individuals who are not able to leave home or people who stay alone at home, A home companion is a very suitable option. They offer sympathy and a source of togetherness. A companion also helps in performing small tasks like cooking meals. Some of the companions work as volunteers sent from NGO's and a few others are professionals.

How can I find home care services?

Please consult your medical practitioner, personal doctor, or health care team to determine whether or not home care services are required or how it is beneficialrequest recommendations and referrals from any social services or workers or from a hospital discharge planner. Try to create a personalized home care plan that is specially tailored to your specific needs. This will make you feel more prepared when explaining your need for a potential caregiver. There are a number of options available for locating the best in house caregiver for you. 

Home care agencies - Depending on your needs, these professional agencies will assign and supervise various home care personnel. Nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and home care aides are examples of professionals. Medicare recognizes a large number of home care agencies. This means they meet federal patient care standards and also offer Medicare and Medicaid covered services. These agencies will screen, hire and also supervise the professionals. They also manage their salaries and are very much responsible for their care.

Homemaker and home care aide agencies - These organizations provide companions, attendants, and home care aides. Most organizations will hire and supervise their employees, making them accountable for their care. These types of agencies are a must to have a licence in some states.

Home care registries and staffing agencies -  These are staffing agencies that match clients

with nurses, therapists, aides, and other healthcare professionals. These services are rarely

licenced or regulated, though the agencies may conduct background checks on their

employees. You will be responsible for selecting, supervising, and paying the caregivers if you hire someone from one of these services.

Independent providers - Independent service providers are available. You can also hire a private home care provider.

You'll be in charge of finding, hiring, supervising, and compensating these caregivers. You'll also need to double-check their credentials and references.

How can I pay for home care services?

An individual will likely pay for these expenses with a combination of insurance coverage and own spending.

Government health plans. Many health care providers accept Medicare. If you have a medical practitioner's approval, Medicare, the federal health plan for seniors, and Medicaid, the federal-state insurance program for low-income people, often cover skilled professionals who come to the home. There is also an option through Veteran affairs if the individual is diagnosed with cancer. 

Private insurance. Insurance plans are of different types. For example, Does an Insurance holder have a long term or a short term plan? If you have personal medical coverage or long-term care insurance, check your policy before starting with home care providers. Many agencies will only pay for skilled care but not for aides or attendants. Others might limit agencies you can use.

Self-pay - Most of the time, you will need to pay for long term attendants and professional caregivers. It is important to have a conversation with the accountant or tax experts on how to follow employment tax laws.

You might be concerned about the price of in-home care. The following resources may be helpful if you live in the United States.

Medicare and Medicaid are two government-funded healthcare programmes. These government-run insurance programmes may cover part-time home

care provided by skilled medical professionals such as nurses, doctors, or physical or occupational therapists. Keep in mind the following:

• The services provided must be approved and reviewed by a doctor.
• The Veterans Administration (VA) has a programme that pays for home care services for qualified military veterans. The VA website of the United States government has more information.
• Health maintenance organizations and private insurance companies (HMOs). Insurance companies frequently cover some short-term home care services. However, coverage varies by plan. Before beginning any home care services, check with your insurance company.
• Many insurance companies cover skilled medical treatment but not personal care. Some employers may insist on using specific home care agencies or personnel.
• Long-term care insurance can help pay for in-home care that is needed for a more extended period of time.
• Volunteers. Volunteers from local churches, home care agencies, or community groups may
• Also, be able to assist. These volunteers provide companionship, limited personal care, respite, meals, and transportation.

About ZenOnco.io - ZenOnco.io provides cancer patients with comprehensive care that includes both medical as well as a complementary treatment. Medical treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. Complementary therapies can consist of an anti-cancer diet, Ayurveda, medical cannabis, etc. When in combination, these therapies can improve the quality of living and also increase the patient's chances of cure.