Cancer Support Services
You are our focus. At CHI Health, we recognize that you and your family can better cope with a cancer diagnosis through ongoing education and support. When cancer is diagnosed, we have a team that will visit with you and your family about your needs and concerns. The Cancer Support Team is available to address your concerns. These services include:
Oncology Social Workers and Cancer Center Counselor
The oncology social worker or mental health nurse completes an assessment with a new patient and family. They can offer:
- Education and support throughout cancer treatment
- Help with finding community resources and programs
- Assists with coping skills throughout cancer treatment
- Cancer support groups and programs
Cancer Nutrition Counseling
CHI Health has an outpatient oncology dietitian dedicated to counseling cancer patients. The dietitian is available to discuss a variety of nutrition guidelines and recommendations based on the type of cancer you have and the treatment you are receiving. The dietitian can give counseling and education to keep your nutrition state where it is or help it get better. Referrals are accepted from patients, family members and health-care providers. To schedule an appointment call (402) 717-4776.
Pastoral Services
The chaplain offers spiritual and emotional support and helps with other religious issues. Your personal minister is also encouraged to remain involved in your care if desired.
Inpatient Nursing Services
The nursing staff and clinical nurse specialist care for patients admitted to the hospital oncology unit. The nurse explains the treatment plan and cares for the patient and family.
The clinical nurse specialist teaches nursing staff about new chemotherapy drugs, medical equipment and treatment plans.
Cancer Nurse Navigators
A cancer nurse navigator assists you with coordination of diagnostic tests during the workup phase of care. The nurse navigator also follows you and your family throughout your course of treatment to provide education and support.
Mental Health Services
A nurse skilled in mental health services provides counseling and support services. This includes helping patients and family members express or adjust to common feelings such as: anger, sadness, anxiety, fear and grief.
Rehabilitation Services
A variety of therapists provide services for cancer patients for Outpatient Oncology Rehab Services:
- Physical Therapists create an exercise program to improve the patient’s physical independence. The therapist can also assist with devices to help you walk, orthotics, prosthetics, and family training needs
- Occupational Therapists help the patient and family adjust to limits in endurance, self care skills or other daily activities. The therapist can suggest adaptive and durable medical equipment for the home
- Speech Therapists help with speech, communication and swallowing problems
- Lymphedema Therapists are specially trained physical or occupational therapists who help manage swelling of the arm, leg, groin, trunk, head or neck that can develop when surgery or radiation treatments affects the lymph nodes
Clinical Cosmetologists at the Renewed Hope Boutique
- The Renewed Hope Boutique at CHI Health is staffed by clinically-trained cosmetologists who understand the side effects that come with cancer treatment
- Our cosmetologists have been trained to give services just for cancer patients
- They help patients prepare for appearance changes they experience due to some of the treatments of the disease
Home Care Services
Assistance is available from a skilled healthcare team when a cancer patient returns home after treatment or a hospital stay.
Palliative Care
As part of home care services, the palliative care team provides pain and symptom management to cancer patients and families.
Hospice Services
Hospice services provide a team approach to end of life care when a patient and family no longer desire active treatment. You can find this service is in a variety of healthcare settings.