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Should a Cancer Patient Go to Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Depending on their care needs, prognosis and preferences, a cancer patient may choose to go to assisted living. However, it’s crucial to check that a facility can adequately meet a patient’s support needs since assisted living communities typically provide minimal medical care. Seniors with limited clinical requirements may benefit from the practical hands-on support offered by assisted living communities. Conversely, those with high-level medical or therapeutic care needs may find nursing facilities more appropriate.
Benefits of assisted living for cancer patients
Individuals receiving or recovering from cancer treatment may sometimes benefit from extra support with day-to-day activities. Assisted living offers a supportive environment with inclusive daily meals, domestic duties and maintenance, and aides help residents with personal care and daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and transferring.
Residents can typically join an array of activities with their peers, which may boost overall health and life enjoyment, reduce depression and provide essential support networks. Depending on the type of cancer, outlook and medical needs, assisted living could be an ideal setting for cancer patients.
Alternative care settings for cancer patients
Regardless of the prognosis, some cancer patients require more medical care than an assisted living community can offer. Nursing homes, which provide 24/7 skilled nursing services and health monitoring, may be more appropriate in such cases. Additionally, nursing homes offer transitional care for individuals following surgery, which may be necessary for some cancer patients before returning home. Cancer patients may benefit from rehabilitative care, such as physical or occupational therapy, provided by a nursing home. Some assisted living communities partner with external hospice care providers, allowing those with terminal diagnoses to receive end-of-life care in a familiar environment. However, some states prohibit hospice care in assisted living. Stand-alone hospice facilities or those within nursing homes might be more appropriate than assisted living for cancer patients nearing the end of their lives.