Help for the Unique Needs of Seniors with Cancer
If you are 60 or over and have been diagnosed with cancer, you may benefit from a specialized assessment at the Taussig Cancer Institute's Geriatric Oncology Clinic. The assessment is designed to identify and manage problems related to a cancer diagnosis and treatment that may otherwise get overlooked. The assessment's goal is to improve your quality of life, offer reassurance to you and your family, and empower you to make informed health care decisions.
When an assessment may help
A geriatric oncology assessment may help if you have cancer, are experiencing severe side effects - confusion, severe weight loss, breathing or swallowing difficulties, etc. - from standard cancer treatment and are experiencing two or more of the following:
- Multiple health problems
- Problems resulting from multiple medications
- Behavioral change, including depression or anxiety
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Physical weakness, frailty
- Difficulty living independently, functional decline
- Difficulty with walking or balance
- At risk for nursing home placement
- Nutritional concerns, including weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Urinary incontinence
- Osteoporosis or osteoarthritis
During a geriatric oncology assessment, a specially trained geriatrician will do a complete assessment of your health issues and living situation, paying special attention to social and family circumstances. Following the two-hour-or-longer assessment, the physician will provide you with a written report summarizing the assessment's findings and recommendations and discuss an individualized plan of care with you. Depending on your unique needs, recommendations may include consulting with other health professionals, including: a psychologist or psychiatrist, pain management specialist, palliative medicine specialist, social worker, nutritionist, pharmacist, and physical and/or occupational therapist.
In addition, the physician will provide you with written materials and information about your health issues and concerns and provide information on resources, community and private agencies, and support groups associated with your cancer diagnosis. If you wish, the physician will also provide a full report to your primary care provider and oncologist.
To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call: 216.444.7923 or 866.223.8100.
http://www.chemocare.com/
Chemocare.com is a source for chemotherapy drug information and side effects.
http://www.seniorcircleplus.com/
Senior Circle Plus is a free program of educational and social activities for those age 55 and older, offered by the Cleveland Clinic Health System.
http://www.cancercare.org/
CancerCare is a national non-profit organization that provides free professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones and the bereaved.
http://www.cancersurvivors.org/
This award-winning Web site provides information about cancer, available resources and support groups.
http://www.goldenbuckeye.com/
This resource for Ohio seniors has information about senior services; PASSPORT, a Medicaid-waiver program for low-income seniors; nursing homes; and senior discounts.
