All patients with incurable cancer eventually reach the point where cancer treatments no longer have anything to offer. This may be because they’re no longer strong enough to tolerate the treatment, or because they no longer wish to continue them, or because we’ve simply run out of treatments to try. When we reach that point, beginning hospice care immediately can be very beneficial to patients and their loved ones.
Hospice care is a proactive form of preventative and supportive care that helps you adapt to your changing needs and symptoms. It’s usually provided at home. A specialized team of nurses, social workers, and volunteers will make regular visits to check on you. They’ll assess your symptoms, modify your medications if needed, and may even help you and your family modify your home environment to accommodate you. They’re also available at night or on the weekend if you’re having a problem.
