Cancer Care

Yes, many people choose short-term or time-limited support around specific treatment phases, such as immediately after chemotherapy cycles, radiotherapy, or surgery. You might want extra help for a few weeks when fatigue is worst, then reduce visits as you recover. Others may prefer support only at certain times of day, like mornings when getting up is difficult. Care can be set up with clear start and review points so you can adapt the level of support as your treatment progresses and your needs change.

We are not a replacement for medical professionals, but we do play an important role in day-to-day pain and symptom management. Carers can provide timely prompts for prescribed pain relief, observe and record changes in symptoms, and encourage you to share concerns with your GP, specialist nurse or hospital team. We can help you find comfortable positions, use cushions or equipment safely, maintain gentle movement where advised, and adapt routines to minimise discomfort. When needed, we can also work alongside palliative or end-of-life services to support more complex symptom control.

The cost of home cancer care varies depending on where you live, how often you need visits, how long each visit lasts and the level of support required. Some people fund care privately, others receive local authority or health-funded support after a care needs assessment. It’s worth exploring potential funding options, including assessments arranged through your local council. We can discuss likely costs for different patterns of support and help you think about how to balance what you need with what is affordable for you and your family.

While carers are not therapists, they are trained to offer sensitive emotional support. Sometimes, simply having someone calm and non-judgemental to talk to can ease anxiety and loneliness. Carers can encourage routines that support mental wellbeing, such as gentle activity, fresh air, enjoyable hobbies and regular meals. They can also notice changes in mood or behaviour and encourage you to speak with your GP or specialist if you seem particularly low or anxious, so that professional psychological support can be arranged if needed.

A home carer can support with a wide range of everyday tasks that may become difficult during treatment. This can include help with washing, dressing, toileting and continence care, as well as preparing light meals, encouraging regular drinks and supporting safe movement around the home. Carers can assist with light domestic tasks such as laundry and tidying, offer company and emotional reassurance, and provide prompts or practical support for medication routines in line with professional guidance. All support is tailored to your energy levels, symptoms and personal preferences.

Timings depend on where you live and the level of support needed, but we always try to move at the pace your situation requires. If you’re planning ahead before starting treatment, we can take time to meet, understand your routines, and build a gradual care plan. If circumstances change suddenly—for example, after an unexpected hospital stay—we’ll work to put urgent support in place as quickly as we safely can. An initial conversation helps us understand your priorities, and from there we can discuss availability, visit schedules, and any equipment or adaptations that might help. The sooner you contact us, the more options we usually have to tailor things around you.

Good communication with medical and hospice teams is central to safe home cancer care. With your consent, we can share observations about symptoms, appetite, mobility or mood to help professionals make informed decisions. We follow the guidance given by nurses and doctors on medication timing, moving and handling, skin care or use of equipment. If we notice worrying changes, we will encourage you or your family to seek urgent advice and, where appropriate, help you contact the relevant service. The aim is a joined-up, consistent approach.

Cancer journeys can change quickly, so flexibility is essential. Care plans are designed to be responsive rather than rigid. If your energy drops, side effects worsen or you’re discharged from hospital sooner than expected, we can explore increasing visit frequency, extending visit length or adding overnight support where possible. Likewise, if you feel stronger or need less help, support can be stepped back. Regular reviews with you and your family help ensure care remains appropriate, and any significant changes are always discussed in advance wherever possible.

Care planning starts with a detailed conversation about your diagnosis, current treatment, symptoms, routines and what matters most to you. We’ll talk about what you can and want to do for yourself, what feels overwhelming, and what your family can realistically manage. With your permission, we may also consider information from healthcare professionals. From there, we agree a written plan covering visit frequency, key tasks, risk considerations and preferences, such as how you like personal care to be delivered. The plan is reviewed regularly and updated when needs or wishes change.

We proudly provide high-quality home care across the East Midlands, in an around the towns and cities detailed below.