Patient and Family Services for Coping with Cancer

Organization: Sibley Memorial Hospital

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/locations/sibley/patient-family.html

Patients and families who cope with cancer face many challenges. We believe that the more our patients know about their cancer and its treatment, the more equipped they are to actively participate in their care. The Center for Patient and Family Services at Sibley Memorial Hospital offers a variety of resources to assist patients and families during this time.

Related Programs:

Name	Alternative Name	Description
Oncology Dietitian		Nutrition sessions are available before, during or after treatment to any of our patients. During a one-on- one consult, your diagnosis, treatment side effects and goals will be assessed to determine the best eating plan to optimize your nutrition. We will discuss recom- mendations and strategies to help manage side effects, increase energy and help you better tolerate treat- ment as well as incorporate tips to maintain a healthy weight and feel your best.
Support Programs		Program participants experience mind-body, spiritual, social and physical benefits. Actively pursuing wellness through education, skill building and experiential classes can help you work toward a better quality of life during and after treatment. Programs are grant-funded and free to participants.
Financial Navigation		Our oncology financial navigator provides individual- ized assistance to patients, families and caregivers to facilitate timely access to care and help overcome health care system barriers. Your oncology financial navigator will: • Provide education about your individual insurance plan and treatment coverage • Locate foundations that offer financial help • Connect you with outside resources like co-pay as- sistance programs and health insurance education
Palliative Care		This specialized medical care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a cancer diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the patient’s family and is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness. It can be provided with curative treatment. Palliative care benefits include: • Expert treatment of pain and other symptoms (such as poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation) • Dedicated time with you and your family to consider treatment preferences and navigate the health care system • Assistance with coordinating your care with all your health care providers • Guidance in considering difficult decisions and understanding complex information • Emotional and spiritual support for you/your family • Assistance with advance care planning • Education about hospice and its benefits
Social Work		Social workers provide for the psychological, social, emotional and practical needs of cancer patients and their families. They can teach you how to manage the stress and changes that may come with cancer. Contact an oncology social worker to: • Learn how to talk about cancer with family members, children, friends, employers and your health care team • Help you manage feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, worry or depression that can be associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment • Learn new ways of coping with stress • Help organize your family life around cancer treatment • Educate and connect you and your family with services like transportation, home care, financial assistance, hospice and palliative care
Support Groups		These groups offer an opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences and gain support and friendship. Each group is facilitated by a social worker and other oncology staff to provide a safe and informative community.
Navigation		Our cancer nurse navigators, often referred to by our patients as “cancer coaches,” provide support, resources and care coordination from diagnosis to returning to life after cancer treatment. Patients often say they feel more prepared to handle what may lie ahead with the partnership of a navigator. Your cancer nurse navigator will: • Coordinate your care to ensure timely access and smooth transitions • Facilitate communication among patients, providers and other agencies to optimize your care • Prepare you and your loved ones on what to expect • Provide education about treatment, medication and disease side effects • Work in collaboration with our oncology social workers to address financial and insurance concerns • Connect you to oncology social work, nutrition and other support services as needed • Connect you to post-treatment survivorship resources

Service Category: Care Health Education Health Disease Management Understand Mental Health Alternative Medicine Nutrition Education Community Support Services Relief for Caregivers Support Groups Navigating the System Support Network Counseling Pain Management Specialized Therapy Education

Service Eligibility: General Sibley patients only

202-660-7512