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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|
Cancer can affect your independence, whatever your age.
Often, the loss of independence is a temporary situation while you recover from the initial treatment for your cancer. As you feel better you can start to take on more.
Many people live their life in a very private and independent way. If you have to rely on others to help you cope or make decisions, watching your independence slipping away can be very upsetting and frightening. Don’t be afraid to explain to those around you how difficult it is. You might want to say something like, ‘I really do appreciate your help right now. I’ll let you know when I think I’m ready to take back this responsibility.’
During treatment, it can help to continue doing things that you enjoy. Some people find that keeping to as normal a routine as possible is very reassuring. Although energy levels may be lower during treatment, most people find that they have ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’.
Some people have difficulties getting to and from the GP surgery or the hospital. Sometimes your GP will be able to call to see you at home instead. If you don’t have your own transport and can’t travel by public transport to the hospital, ask your GP about other options. Most areas have volunteer drivers who will take you to the outpatients department for the cost of the petrol, or your doctor may be able to organise an ambulance or ambulance car.
If you are on a low income you may be able to get financial help to cover the costs of public transport, and in some situations petrol costs, from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. You can get more information about this scheme from the Directgov| website, or from your local Jobcentre Plus|.
If you need a course of treatment that involves attending the hospital each day for a few weeks, you may be able to stay in hospital instead of travelling back and forth each day. Some hospitals also offer cheaper parking or parking permits for people having regular day treatment. You can ask at your hospital if this help is available to you.
You may need several different types of treatment to keep your cancer, and other health problems, under control. It can be difficult to remember to take all your medicines at exactly the right times, for example before or after meals. However, this is usually important to make sure you get the full benefit from them. It’s important to follow the instructions you have been given.
If you have a lot of medicines to take and have trouble remembering what you’ve taken, you may find it helpful to use a daily dosing system box (such as a nomad or dosette box). The box will contain all your pills, separated into compartments for the different times of the day, and for different days of the week. You can then see at a glance whether you have taken all your pills correctly.
You can fill the box yourself each week, or if you have relatives or friends who understand your medicines, they may be able to sort them out for you on a regular basis.
Alternatively your local pharmacists may be able to fill the box for you each week. It’s a good idea to have two boxes - one that you are using and a second one that is being filled by the pharmacist. There may be a small charge to have the box filled each week. Some pharmacists use disposable boxes rather than refilling your own box - it’s a good idea to check before buying your own boxes.
If you’re in hospital for any reason the nurses and doctors will discuss with you whether you need any extra help and support before they send you home. The amount of support needed will vary from person to person and not everyone will need extra help.
Although you may be keen to go home as soon as possible, take time to think about whether you are fit enough to cope, and whether you might need help with shopping or other tasks. It’s usually much easier for the hospital staff to organise the help and support that you need before you leave the hospital, rather than you go home and then realise you can’t cope. If you have family, find out what they’ll be able to do to help, as it’s easy to overestimate how much time they have to spare. Once you get home, if you find you need more help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Ensuring that help and support are available at home is particularly important if you live alone. While you’re in hospital, you will have people around to help you with even the simplest tasks. It‘s a big change to go from hospital to home and have to cope with housework, shopping, cooking and laundry, as well as looking after yourself and managing your medicines.
The hospital staff will contact your GP to let them know that you’re going home. They will also make arrangements for any care you need. This may include district nurses and nurses that are specialised in symptom control and supporting people with cancer (sometimes called palliative care nurses). District nurses can give nursing care, such as dressing wounds. Specialist nurses can give advice on pain and symptom control, and also provide emotional support.
If you need more support at home the hospital staff may arrange for you to have a care assessment by social services. A social worker or care manager will carry out the assessment, which may involve other people such as the hospital doctors and nurses, and your GP. The assessment will create a care plan that sets out the services you need to help you manage at home. It will be discussed with you and anyone who helps look after you. Services include:
Your local council may charge you for the services they provide. Charges vary from council to council and are different depending on whether you live in England, Wales or Scotland. You may not have to pay for any services if you have a low income and may be entitled to get direct payments from the local authority to pay for the care. You can get more information about the charges from your care manager, social worker, or from Age UK|, who produce a leaflet called Care At Home. Before going home the hospital staff should give you phone numbers and contact details of who can help if you have any concerns.
Many older people worry that they will become a financial burden on their partner or children as they get older, and having cancer may make this seem more likely. This should not be the case if you claim all the benefits that you are entitled to.
If you are retired and have a pension, or are working but on a low income you may be entitled to other benefits while you are ill. For more information about benefits and financial support you can speak to our cancer support specialists. You might also find our information on financial issues for people affected by cancer| useful.
You can find out more about benefits from your local Citizens Advice Bureau| or Jobcentre Plus| office. You can also get information from the Benefit Enquiry Line| or the Department for Work and Pensions website|.
The social worker at the hospital can also give you advice on sources of financial help, as can organisations such as Age UK|.
Remember that you’re entitled to claim benefits. You will have paid money to the government in the form of taxes and National Insurance, so you shouldn’t hesitate to claim benefits and use the extra income that they offer.
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.