How to Find a Home Care Worker When you Have Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a malignant disease of the ovaries, the egg-producing female reproductive organs. When treatment or care for ovarian cancer becomes more intense, many ovarian cancer patients would rather be in the comfort of their own homes than in hospitals or medical settings. Home care workers make this possible, and it is easier to arrange for a care worker to come to your home than you might think.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Know What Types of Home Care Are Available for Women With Ovarian Cancer

1. Realize that trained professionals are available for home care. Registered nurses as well as physical therapists or occupational therapists are available to help you receive the same treatment you would receive in a hospital setting.
2. Learn about the different services available from a home care worker. Find someone who can help with household chores like laundry, preparing meals or with personal tasks like dressing and grooming.
3. Know that there are volunteer services available in which a volunteer home care worker will come and keep you company or help you get to appointments or run errands.

Find a Home Care Worker

4. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Your doctors or a social worker should have references for home care agencies or services.
5. Check with organizations such as the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute for information about accredited health care services in your area (see Resources below).
6. Speak to your health insurance provider about home care programs. Some insurers, like Medicare, will have resources available.

Choose a Home Care Worker

7. Ask if the home care worker is from an established organization. There are accreditation and licensing processes that home care service providers must go through before they are recognized by official organizations.
8. Check references. Word of mouth is often the most effective way to choose a home care worker.
9. Find out the costs. Insurance companies or Medicare should tell you if you will incur any costs when you enlist the help of a home care worker.

Tips & Warnings

• Cancer patients have the right to care after treatment, which can include home care.
• Ask your doctor about the restrictions of home care, including which types of treatment cannot be performed outside of a hospital setting.
• Being alone at home can create feelings of loneliness and depression that are serious side effects of cancer treatment. Consider a home care worker who specializes in counseling or therapy.

Who Can Help: