Cancer and its treatment can affect energy, mobility, appetite and the ability to manage everyday responsibilities. In-home care for cancer patients provides practical, nonclinical assistance so clients can remain comfortable at home while continuing to receive medical care from their oncology team.
Horizon Care Services provides private-duty home care tailored to the client’s routines, personal-care needs, treatment schedule, home environment and family support system. Services may include companionship, personal-care assistance, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, light housekeeping and respite for family caregivers.
Horizon Care Services does not diagnose or treat cancer, administer oncology treatments or replace the services of physicians, nurses, therapists or other licensed healthcare professionals.
Private-duty home care may be helpful for someone who:
Care needs can occur at any point during diagnosis, treatment, recovery or survivorship. The need for home care is based on the individual’s circumstances—not simply the stage of cancer.
Horizon Care Services begins by discussing the client’s routines, support needs, requested schedule and home environment.
When appropriate, the client and authorized family members can share written instructions from the oncology team or another healthcare provider. Horizon uses this information to determine which nonclinical services can be included in the care plan.
Medical assessments, treatment recommendations and decisions about clinical care remain the responsibility of qualified healthcare professionals.
Cancer treatment can feel isolating, particularly for someone who lives alone or has family members who cannot be present every day.
A caregiver can provide:
Caregivers provide emotional encouragement but do not offer mental health counseling or psychological treatment.
Fatigue, pain, weakness or mobility limitations may make everyday personal-care activities more difficult.
Depending on the care plan, assistance may include:
Care professionals perform only the services permitted by their credentials, training, assigned responsibilities and scope of practice.
Cancer and cancer treatments can sometimes affect appetite, taste, energy and the ability to eat comfortably. The client’s oncology team or registered dietitian should provide medical nutrition recommendations.
Caregiver assistance may include:
Caregivers do not create medical diets or treat nausea, swallowing problems, dehydration, weight loss or malnutrition. These concerns should be reported to the client’s healthcare team.
The National Cancer Institute provides additional information about nutrition during cancer treatment.
A caregiver can provide medication reminders according to an established schedule and written instructions.
Caregivers may also help organize:
Caregivers do not prescribe medications, change dosages, decide whether medication should be withheld or independently manage treatment schedules. Medication administration is performed only by appropriately licensed professionals when authorized and included in the care plan.
When the client is medically cleared to travel in a nonmedical vehicle, a caregiver may provide transportation to:
A caregiver may accompany the client and assist with returning home after the appointment.
Horizon Care Services does not provide emergency or medical transportation. Clients requiring medical transportation must use an appropriate provider.
Maintaining the home can become difficult when someone is experiencing fatigue or reduced mobility.
Depending on the care arrangement, light housekeeping may include:
These services are intended to support everyday comfort and do not include heavy cleaning or specialized infection-control services.
A caregiver may help with:
Shopping is completed according to an approved list supplied by the client or authorized family member.
Weakness, neuropathy, fatigue or other functional changes may affect mobility. A caregiver may provide walking, transfer or repositioning assistance when those services are included in the care plan.
Transfer belts, patient lifts and other equipment must be used only by care professionals who have the appropriate training and authorization.
A physical therapist or another qualified healthcare professional should evaluate new mobility problems or recommend specialized exercises and equipment.
Caregivers can help clients remain engaged in activities they enjoy, based on their energy level, preferences and medical instructions.
Activities may include:
Activities should be adjusted according to how the client feels that day. Caregivers do not prescribe exercise or rehabilitation programs.
Supporting someone with cancer can be physically and emotionally demanding. Respite care gives family caregivers time to:
Respite assistance may be arranged for daytime visits, evenings, overnight care or a recurring schedule, depending on the client’s needs and caregiver availability.
During scheduled care hours, a caregiver may observe and report changes or concerns to the client, an authorized family member or the appropriate healthcare professional.
Caregivers do not clinically assess side effects or determine whether a symptom is related to cancer or its treatment.
The client and family should obtain written instructions from the oncology team explaining:
Some cancer treatments can increase the risk of serious infection. The National Cancer Institute advises clients to contact their healthcare team promptly when signs of infection occur. Caregivers should follow the client’s written medical instructions and emergency plan. NCI infection guidance.
When properly authorized, Horizon Care Services can coordinate nonclinical home-care arrangements with:
Clinical services must be delivered by appropriately licensed providers.
When a client is enrolled in hospice, care related to the terminal illness must be provided or arranged according to the hospice plan of care. Horizon’s private-duty caregivers may provide supplemental nonclinical assistance when permitted and properly coordinated.
Depending on the client’s needs, in-home assistance may be arranged for:
Scheduling is based on the client’s assessment, requested services, care plan, current policies and caregiver availability. Care can be reviewed as the client’s circumstances change.
Private-duty home care may be paid through:
Original Medicare generally does not cover ongoing custodial care when assistance with everyday activities is the only service required. Medicare may cover qualifying intermittent home health services when ordered by an authorized healthcare provider and delivered through a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Horizon’s private-duty cancer care program is not being advertised as a Medicare-covered oncology or home health service. Families should verify coverage directly with Medicare, their insurance carrier or their plan administrator.
Horizon Care Services assists clients in communities including North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Stuart, Hobe Sound and Port St. Lucie.
Service availability depends on the client’s location, assessment, requested schedule, care plan and caregiver availability.
If you or someone you love needs additional assistance at home during cancer treatment or recovery, Horizon Care Services can help you explore a personalized private-duty care arrangement.
Call 561-776-7757 (toll-free 877-227-3890) or contact Horizon Care Services to discuss in-home care for cancer patients.
This page is for general informational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult the oncology team or another qualified healthcare professional regarding symptoms, treatment, nutrition, medication and changes in condition.
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If you're currently experiencing an emergency situation, it would be best to call 911.
