Caregiving for someone with cancer is rewarding yet demanding, costly, and emotionally challenging. Here are some resources to help ease the financial and mental strain.
Being a caregiver for someone with cancer is a vital and demanding job. It’s also financially burdensome, with medical bills, travel costs, and other expenses accumulating, often making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities like food.
Additionally, most cancer caregivers spend an average of 32.9 hours per week caregiving, with one-third providing more than 41 hours per week, according to a
Knowing where to access much-needed support can help alleviate some of these challenges. Here, we’ve compiled numerous resources to assist you in managing this responsibility.
The financial burden of cancer treatment, coupled with loss of income and the physical toll of the disease and its therapies, can affect one’s ability to access or prepare nutritious meals.
Research indicates between
As a caregiver, begin by assessing the specific dietary needs, preferences, and assistance level required by the person you’re caring for.
Then, explore local resources such as hospitals, nonprofits, and government programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental program, to learn about available food assistance programs.
Here are some places to start:
- Hospitals and cancer treatment centers: Contact social workers or patient navigators for food assistance programs. Inquire about these programs during doctors’ appointments.
- Nonprofit organizations: Some cancer nonprofits offer financial assistance programs that can help people cover the cost of groceries and meals. For example, visit the
American Cancer Society (800-227-2345) and CancerCare (800-813-4673) websites or call their helplines for information. Some organizations focus on regional help. For instance, if you’re an immigrant in the greater New York metropolitan area, look into the FOOD Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. - Government programs: Apply for SNAP benefits here and WIC benefits here.
- Local food banks: Use Feeding America’s food bank locator.
- Meals on Wheels: Visit the Meals on Wheels website to find local programs that deliver meals to older adults in need.
- Community and religious groups: Visit or call local community centers and religious organizations to ask about food assistance programs.
Cancer treatment can be extremely expensive. Medication costs are a significant part of that burden. The following programs help alleviate some of the financial strain by providing discounts or free medications:
- TogetherRx Access: TogetherRx Access offers discounts on prescription medications to eligible individuals who do not have prescription drug coverage.
- GoodRx: GoodRx provides discounts and coupons for prescription medications that can be used at pharmacies nationwide.
- Medicare Extra Help: Medicare Extra Help provides assistance with prescription drug costs for individuals with limited income and resources.
- NeedyMeds: NeedyMeds offers information on patient assistance programs that provide free or low cost medications to those in need.
- Cancer-specific resources: Some organizations and foundations offer financial assistance programs specifically for cancer patients, which may include help with medication costs. Examples include the American Cancer Society and CancerCare.
- Manufacturer assistance programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for their medications, providing discounts or free medications to those who qualify.
- Community and church groups: These organizations sometimes offer assistance with medication costs to individuals in need, including cancer patients and their caregivers.
There are several ways to find benefits. Consider the following resources:
- National Council on Aging: Their Benefits Checkup tool helps caregivers identify federal, state, and private benefits programs that can assist them and the person for whom they’re caring. It covers programs related to healthcare, prescription drugs, income support, and more.
- U.S. government benefits: Benefits.gov provides information on federal benefits programs, including those related to healthcare, housing, and help for the onset of a disability. Caregivers can use the Benefit Finder tool to search for programs that may be helpful to you and the person for whom you’re caring.
- Social Security Administration (SSA): SSA.gov offers several benefits programs that may be relevant to caregivers and cancer patients, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Caregivers can visit the SSA’s website to learn more about these programs and how to apply.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): If you’re caring for a veteran with cancer, the VA offers various benefits and support services. These include financial assistance, access to healthcare, counseling, and respite care. Caregivers can visit the VA Caregiver Support Program to learn more about these benefits and how to apply.
As a caregiver for someone with cancer, you play a crucial role. You may need extra support at times. Cancer treatment can be complex, requiring help with medications and daily tasks.
Home care professionals can provide this assistance, offering emotional support for both you and the patient, respite care for your rest, and help in coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
Here are the types of healthcare professionals who can come to your home:
- Registered nurses (RNs): provide skilled nursing care, such as administering medications, wound care, and monitoring vital signs
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs): assist with basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs, such as dressing wounds and monitoring patients’ health
- Certified nursing assistants (CNAs): provide basic care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients, under the supervision of RNs or LPNs
- Physical therapists (PTs): help patients improve mobility and function through exercises and other interventions
- Occupational therapists (OTs): assist patients in regaining or improving the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing and cooking
- Speech therapists: help patients improve communication and swallowing abilities
- Medical social workers: provide counseling and assistance with accessing community resources
- Home health aides (HHAs): assist with personal care and activities of daily living under the supervision of RNs or LPNs
Here are some of the different types of home care service agencies:
- Government agencies: Government agencies provide home care services through programs like Medicaid and local health departments. Contact local health departments or visit their websites for information.
- Home health agencies: Home health agencies offer skilled medical care, such as nursing, physical therapy, and speech therapy, in the patient’s home. Ask a healthcare professional for a referral or search online for local agencies.
- Hospices: Hospices provide end-of-life care and support for patients and their families, focusing on comfort and quality of life.
- Personal care agencies or home care aide and homemaker agencies: These agencies provide assistance with personal care, household tasks, and companionship.
- Independent providers: Independent providers are individuals who offer care services directly, without being affiliated with an agency.
As a caregiver for a person with cancer, navigating the financial burden of treatment can be overwhelming. Financial assistance can help ease the stress of medical bills, medication costs, and daily living expenses, allowing you to focus on the well-being of the person you’re caring for and yourself.
Here are a few places to start:
- Government assistance programs: Federal and state programs provide benefits to cancer patients and their families. Contact agencies like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Social Security Administration for information on public assistance and benefits.
- Pharmaceutical patient assistance programs: Drug companies may offer help with insurance repayments or discounted medications. Programs like NeedyMeds and the Medicine Assistance Tool can help reduce medication costs.
- Community and general organizations: Local resources can be found through services like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army. Check if your area has a 211 information and referral service.
- Nonprofit copay relief programs: Organizations like the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation, Good Days, and HealthWell Foundation assist with drug copayments and deductibles. Each has its own eligibility guidelines and may cover specific types of cancer.
- General cancer organizations: Groups such as CancerCare, the
American Cancer Society , and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offer various forms of support and resources for cancer patients and their caregivers. - CancerCare’s Helping Hand: This searchable database provides information on financial and practical assistance for people affected by cancer. It includes contact details and descriptions for hundreds of national and regional organizations.
CancerCare offers a more exhaustive list on its website.
I’m a new caregiver for someone with cancer. Where do I start?
Start by contacting local government agencies for assistance programs. Look into home health agencies for medical care and nonprofits like CancerCare and the
Explore pharmaceutical programs for medication discounts. Use resources like CancerCare’s Helping Hand to find financial and practical aid. Additionally, ask healthcare professionals for referrals and recommendations.
How can I manage the emotional stress of being a caregiver?
Consider connecting with online forums and local community groups for emotional support. Prioritize self-care through exercise, hobbies, and mindfulness activities.
Try to use respite care services to take necessary breaks and prevent burnout. Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for help with specific tasks to ease your burden. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself too.
As a cancer caregiver, what can I do if I’m not able to pay my bills?
Seek financial assistance from programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the Social Security Administration. Look into pharmaceutical patient assistance programs for medication discounts.
Contact nonprofits like CancerCare and the
Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for financial support or assistance with caregiving tasks.
Caregiving is demanding yet essential, as it involves providing crucial support and care that significantly affects the quality of life and well-being of the recipient.
Looking into resources can help you manage the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of caregiving, ensuring you provide the best care possible. Accessing these resources also helps prevent burnout, allowing you to maintain your own health and well-being.
Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to care for your loved one more effectively and compassionately.