Cancer and cancer treatment can be physically demanding. Completing daily tasks may be harder due to fatigue or other treatment side effects. It is not uncommon for patients to need additional assistance, either at home or in a facility, during their treatment and their recovery period. There are many levels of assistance that may be available to patients as outlined below:
Non-medical Home Caregiving Services
Non-medical home caregiving services include assistance with daily tasks, such as meal preparation, light housework, assistance with shopping, transportation to appointments, companionship, etc. These services are often provided by independent caregivers or through a home caregiving agency. Because the services are considered “non-clinical”, they are typically not covered under one’s health insurance. Patients can pay for these services at an hourly rate.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted Living Facilities offer a long-term residential environment that provides assistance with daily tasks. Typically assisted living facilities to provide meals, assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing), medication management and social activities. Some facilities may also provide transportation to medical appointments. The cost of assisted living facilities varies from facility to facility.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities (also referred to as nursing homes) provide care to patients who need 24-hour medical monitoring or assistance that cannot be provided in the home. Some patients may stay at a nursing home for a short period of time for rehabilitation services with the goal of becoming independent enough to return home, while others may stay at a skilled nursing facility long term. Payment for skilled nursing care depends on the level of care received. Most health insurance companies cover at least part of the cost of short-term rehabilitation. Long-term care is typically a private pay expense and can vary from facility to facility. Medicaid also covers the cost of long-term care for those who qualify.
Resources
Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Information
NYS Department of Health: Helps you locate and compare assisted living and skilled nursing facilities Link to pdf of Roswell Park Skilled Nursing Facility Placement Documents (introductory letter, facility list, application).