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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