“The nurses were superb, amazing, wonderful and we couldn’t have done without them”

Having just been diagnosed with cancer, the client’s family contacted Cavendish Homecare to arrange cancer care while the client was undergoing chemotherapy. The client was being seen as an outpatient and both the client and the family requested home nurses 24/7 to guide them through this challenging journey.

Our Client’s Story…

The treatment plan involved periodic hospital visits for chemotherapy sessions, during which the client would be attached to a pump for two days before returning to the hospital for its removal. The medications, combined with chemotherapy, heightened the client’s anxiety, and diminished their appetite.

Our nursing team, equipped with both medical expertise and compassionate care, offered invaluable emotional support, encouraged the client to voice any concerns, and offered reassurance, recognising the crucial role of psychological well-being as part of the client’s overall health. Cancer care requires not only expert knowledge of medication management, but also requires a high level of emotional and psychological support, which we ensure all our nursing team can assist clients with during this difficult time.

The nurses’ responsibilities included monitoring the client’s nutrition and hydration levels, as chemotherapy often adversely affects appetite. The nurses encouraged the client to visit the park for fresh air and mental well-being, aiming to provide a sense of normalcy whilst going through a challenging period.

Due to chemotherapy-induced weakness and fatigue, the client’s mobility was compromised. Our nurses assisted the client with daily activities, recommended non-slip slippers for safety, and encouraged the client to engage in activities of daily living. The client also experienced emotional distress, which was addressed through encouragement of open communication and emotional support. The presence of family members played a vital role in the client’s support system.

The chemotherapy immunosuppressive effects made infection control crucial, therefore, strict compliance measures were implemented by our nurses. We had to take our client’s respiratory management into account especially due to the fact they had a biliary drain in place, so infection risk was a concern, necessitating careful dressing maintenance and monitoring.

The Cavendish Approach…

Emotional support was a cornerstone of the care provided. The client often expressed fears and anxieties regarding chemotherapy which is not uncommon. Our team were able to support the client, which was supported by continuity of staff, by assigning the same rotation of nurses whenever possible, this consistency minimised disruptions in all aspects of the client’s care.

The Outcome…

Cavendish Homecare’s role in the client’s care highlights the vital role of our nurses when supporting a client undergoing chemotherapy. The client’s unique needs, including emotional support, assistance with daily activities, medication management, and infection control, were diligently addressed by our dedicated nursing team. The holistic support that we provided meant hospitalisations were reduced, addressing the client’s physical, and emotional well-being during a difficult period gave reassurance and comfort to the family.