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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
If you have to go into hospital and leave your house or garden, you could ask friends to help. If this is difficult, you could perhaps tell one friend what needs to be done and ask them to organise things for you.
You may find it hard to ask favours of people, but you will probably find that your friends are only too happy to be given specific things they can do for you.
If you have a pet and are concerned about them while you’re in hospital or during treatment, there are organisations that offer services such as dog walking. Sometimes they have people who can foster pets if needed.
People who are close to you will want to help in any way they can. Some may find it difficult to talk about your cancer, but would be happy to do your shopping, run errands for you or do something you can’t manage in the house. Other people will be able to keep you company sometimes, listen to you and share your worries and fears.
Many organisations offer advice, information and support for people living on their own. Our Cancer Support Specialists| can give more information tailored to your needs.
Our pet care| section provides information on getting help with pet care when you are ill.
Community, district and palliative care or symptom control nurses| (sometimes called Macmillan nurses) can also provide support and information about help at home.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.