 People who are diagnosed with cancer are often in need of extra help to cope with the psychological and social impacts of cancer. Cancer support services provides psychological and social support for people and their families who are going through cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is a whole-person approach to cancer care that can improve quality of life for people affected by cancer.
The Providence Regional Cancer Partnership offers a complete range of care. Support services team members are trained in psychosocial oncology, a specialty devoted to understanding and treating the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, quality-of-life and functional aspects of cancer.
Patient Assessment
Patient Navigator
Support Groups
Therapeutic Care for Children and Teens
Art Therapy
Spiritual Care
Patient Assessment
Every patient who comes to the Cancer Partnership is assessed for levels of emotional and psychological distress to see if they are in need of treatment or support. Patients complete a written assessment tool created by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers from around the world dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Patient Navigator
A Patient Navigator provides cancer patients with resources, guidance and options. The Cancer Partnership is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to provide an ACS Patient Navigator on-site to assist cancer patients, families and caregivers in handling financial, medical and insurance concerns as well as physical, psychological and social issues surrounding cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and support systems. A patient navigator can help: Identify resources for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance questions, transportation and other concerns
Refer people to support groups, classes and other programs for information and support Provide literature on coping with cancer, what to expect during chemotherapy and radiation and dealing with side effects of treatment Identify activities that can help ensure a better quality of life Listen and care, helping people in their time of need
Support Groups
Patients diagnosed with cancer and their families face many challenges, and they may feel overwhelmed, afraid, and alone. It can be difficult to cope with these challenges or to talk to even family members or friends. Often, support groups help people affected by cancer feel less alone and can improve their ability to deal with the challenges that cancer brings. Support groups give patients an opportunity to meet other cancer patients, talk about their concerns and discuss ways to cope with the illness. The Providence Regional Cancer Partnership offers several types of support groups to meet the individual needs of people at all stages of cancer treatment, from diagnosis through follow-up care. Some groups are general cancer support groups, while more specialized groups may be for teens or young adults, for family members, or for people affected by a particular disease. Therapeutic Care for Children and Teens
The Carousel Pediatric Bereavement Program is part of Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County, providing in-home support for children with medical needs in Snohomish County. Carousel also provides bereavement (grief and loss) support for families experiencing any serious illness, trauma or death in the family. Services Available: Standing Together
This fun but meaningful group assists youth ages four to 17 in grief support and death education. Led by professional staff, kids and teens are supported in feeling “normal” by doing activities with other kids-in-loss, addressing their own grief in ways that feel comfortable to them. Anyone can refer families to the group and there is no fee for participation. Camp Erin
A free weekend camp at Camp Killoqua, this caring environment is for youth ages six to 17 who have experienced a loss. Camp Erin offers a special combination of fun recreational activities with supportive discussions to help campers build their trust, self-esteem, and coping skills. Age-appropriate activities allow for sharing feelings with similar peers, as well as friendship building and fun. All activities are run by pediatric specialists and trained volunteers. Kids Have Many Kinds of Loss
A support group for kids ages four to 17 who have had big losses in their live such as a family illness, divorce, separation from a love one, moving, or problems with school or friends. Kids learn how other kids grieve different kinds of loss while they enjoy art projects, play, hang out and eat pizza. It’s free and participants don’t have to talk about anything they don’t want to. Phone Support, Mailings, and Family Sessions
Child/Teen Bereavement Services can consult with parents or other concerned adults by phone, listening for what’s important and offering suggestions. Helpful handouts can be mailed regarding kids of all ages and all kinds of loss. In some cases free short-term support-sessions can be offered.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of themselves and others, cope with symptoms of cancer and other diseases, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.
Art therapy requires no artistic ability. The art therapist offers guidance and support and the opportunity to explore issues of concern using a variety of art materials. Spiritual Care
Spiritual care is part of the mission of Providence Everett by recognizing that health care involves the whole individual—physical and spiritual. Through openness and honoring the chosen spiritual path of each individual person, The Providence Regional Cancer Partnership will provide spiritual healing for all patients who are in need, regardless of religious affiliation. All chaplains are highly trained, board certified professionals, and are experts in areas of spiritual assessment. The Cancer Partnership will have spiritual care available to patients 24 hours a day. If patient need is recognized, the spiritual care team will work closely with cancer care specialist to offer spiritual counseling, answer questions or aid a person in reconnecting with their faith.
|
