Lung cancer: visiting nurses and at-home healthcare

Caring for a loved one with lung cancer can be a challenge, which is why many families affected by the disease hire an at-home healthcare provider, such as a visiting nurse. A healthcare provider who comes to the home can offer reliable support and help ease stress on family members or friends acting as caregivers.

What are the options for at-home healthcare?

At-home nursing care is exactly what it sounds like—a registered nurse (RN) visits the home to provide care and perform many of the job functions that a nurse in a hospital setting would provide. Among many tasks, visiting nurses can:

• Supervise or administer medicines
• Help manage the side effects of chemotherapy or other treatments
• Help with pain management
• Offer support

Visiting nurses are a good choice for families of a person who has been discharged from the hospital but still requires the care of a medical professional. A visiting nurse may work with a certified nursing assistant (CNA) depending on the type of care a patient needs.

Home health aides (HHAs) are another option. HHAs provide assistance with everyday tasks that can be a challenge when living with lung cancer or another illness. They can help patients stay on medication schedules, eat meals, and monitor vital signs such as blood pressure. An HHA might be a good option if your loved one does not require the level of care provided by an RN, but whose care still requires a significant amount of time and effort.

If your loved one with lung cancer mostly needs help with housekeeping, preparing meals, and companionship, you may want to consider a personal care aide, who can help with all those tasks, but does not have the medical training of an RN, CNA, or HHA.

At-home healthcare can also include physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, and volunteers from local organizations who offer support and help around the home.

Tips for finding at-home healthcare

If you and your loved ones are thinking of using the services of an at-home healthcare provider, here are some factors to consider:

• Weigh the cost. At-home healthcare can be expensive. You’ll need to research how much it costs and what part of that is covered by insurance.
• Make sure your loved one is on board. The decision to use an at-home healthcare service should be made as a family, including the person living with cancer. It is important that your loved one agrees to a healthcare provider visiting their home and feels comfortable about receiving assistance.
• Determine the level of care needed. As described above, there are different levels of care available, and it is important to figure out exactly what your loved one requires.
• Ask for a recommendation. Ask your loved one’s healthcare provider or hospital case manager if there is a service they recommend.
• Do your research. Contact potential home healthcare services to make sure they provide the type of care that you are looking for and have experienced staff. If possible, visit their office and meet with the person who will be providing care ahead of time.