Download Living Well: A Program for Older Adults with Cancer

LivingWell:
A Program for Older Adults with Cancer
Abramson Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital
Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program
Cancer affects older adults more than any other
age group. Older adults face challenges when
confronting a cancer diagnosis, which may be
different from the challenges faced by younger
patients. Older adults with cancer may be
dealing with medical and social issues that make
their care more complex, such as living alone,
having additional medical conditions and
disabilities, or living on a fixed income.
The Abramson Cancer Center at Pennsylvania
Hospital recognizes that older adults with
cancer may require specialized care to support
them and their families. However, we also
recognize that older adults often have coping
skills developed through years of living that
allow them to face cancer with strength, dignity
and the ability and desire to make decisions
about their own health care goals and treatment.
About the Program
The Living Well Program is part of the Joan
Karnell Supportive Care Program. The goal of
this program is to provide expert symptom
management and support for older adults with
cancer. Adults over age 70 can be referred to
this program at diagnosis or at any point in
their illness. A comprehensive assessment is
completed and referrals are made to appropriate
clinicians. Patients and their caregivers are
followed through the course of their disease
and needs are re-evaluated on a regular basis.
Collaboration
The team communicates and works closely with
the patient’s primary care oncologist and other
treating specialists.
Program components include:
© Comprehensive Social Work assessment
© Care coordination
© Referrals to Physical
Medicine/Rehabilitation
© Pain and symptom management
© Music and Art therapy
© Insurance counseling
© Shiatsu massage therapy
© Nutrition counseling
© Caregiver support
© Psychological support
© Community resource referrals
© Patient and family education
© Referrals to geriatric medical specialists
How to Talk to Your Medical Team:
At Home
3 Keep a journal
• Write down questions that you or family members may have leading up to the
appointment
• Keeping a list of medications including the dosage, quantity prescribed and time
taken can help you and your doctor
• Keeping track of side effects- with many medications it can be hard to pinpoint
what is the cause of many symptoms but keeping track of when and how often these
symptoms occur can help
• Underline or highlight major problems that you want to talk about
Preparing For Your Visit
3 Get directions if you have never been there before, and give yourself enough
time (traffic, parking, wrong turns)
3 Bring along information and dates about your personal health history such as
health conditions, tests, procedures, medications, vitamins/minerals or herbal
supplements. Ask for copies of your latest scans or reports and bring them
along as well.
3 Don’t forget your journal
3 Bring a friend or family member to be a second set of ears and to take notes, fill them
in on the questions you would like to ask or symptoms you are concerned about
3 Bring along a snack and something to keep you entertained, there may be a wait
• Suggested snacks: string cheese, peanut butter crackers, pretzels, whole fruit,
bagel, yogurt
• Suggested activities: music player with ear buds, magazine, puzzle book
At Your Visit
3 Visits can be overwhelming and it is easy to get off topic, have your questions
and concerns ready to discuss
• Ask questions…
What exactly is my diagnosis?
What is the prognosis or outlook for my cancer? What is the intent of the treatment?
What are my treatment options? What treatment plan do you recommend?
What should I expect? What supportive services are available to me?
3 Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to let you doctor know if you don’t understand
what he/she is discussing with you, especially medical terminology.
Check out www.Caring4cancer.com to define cancer terms.
Resources for
Older Adults
Information
and Support
Eldercare Locator
Find aging services in
your area
800-677-1116
www.eldercare.gov
American Cancer
Society
800-227-2345
www.cancer.org
CancerCare
800-813-4673
www.cancercare.org
Insurance and
Financial
Medicare
800-MEDICARE
(633-4227)
www.medicare.gov
Medicaid
www.medicaid.gov
Cancer Financial
Assistance Coalition
www.cancerfac.org
Other
Resources
Veterans
Administration
877-222-8387
www.va.gov
National Institute on
Aging
800-222-2225
www.nia.nih.gov
To schedule an appointment or for more information:
Contact the Living Well Program at (215)-829-6379 or visit PennMedicine.com/pahosp/cancer
230 W. Washington Square, First Floor, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106