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When someone you care about has cancer, it's important
to know just what to say or do and how best to provide
support. While the cancer patient's life changes, it doesn't
stop. Your role as a caregiver or friend is extremely
important. If you live with the patient, you may be called
on to do more than you have had to in the past. If you
are a friend, helping the family or the patient with even
a small act of kindness can make a difference.
FLHO realizes that the family of a cancer patient needs
information, support, and access to the patient's medical
team and our facility as well. Please be sure to visit
our Resources
section to learn about cancer, chemotherapy, support
resources (for you as well as for the patient), and much
more. Here is an overview of what to expect at FLHO.
Our Treatment Room
All potential companions should be listed on the patient's
FLHO HIPAA form so that treatment may be discussed in
their presence. One companion at a time is welcome to
join the patient during his or her chemotherapy. We provide
a chair and can also set up a worktable for the companion.
Companions are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality
of other patients receiving treatment and not to disturb
others while visiting.
A laptop or other personal electronic device is welcome
with the understanding it is to operate silently and that
our facility offers no wired or wireless Internet access.
Cell phone usage is not permitted in patient treatment
areas. FLHO is not responsible for the loss or damage
of companions' belongings.
While Visiting
Companions should be healthy and follow all hand-washing
and other hygiene requests made by staff or posted in
restrooms. Please do not come to FLHO if you have a cold
or other illness as chemotherapy reduces the effectiveness
of our patients' immune systems.
FLHO is not able to provide meals, but we do have ginger
ale, fruit juices, coffee and tea available. Free parking
is available close to the entrance to our facility.
Our staff is available to you to explain what the patient
is likely to feel during and after receiving chemotherapy.
Please feel free to ask us questions. We also have available
in our waiting room and to the right of our reception
desk a large selection of cancer and blood disorder information
that is free for the taking.
Should you be dropping off the patient for treatment and
then returning to take them home, feel free to call our
office during the day to find out when the patient will
be discharged. |
