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DiscussionSupporting Glioblastoma Patient: What can I expect as the caregiver?
Caregivers | Last Active: Aug 2 9:47am | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Thank you for your post. I am the caregiver for my son. We are working with..."
@eagles1lions2, dealing with financial constraints along with the worry and care for your son must be so hard. There is help. Here are a few suggestions that I have:
1. Talk with a social worker. Social workers can help in many different ways, including finding financial assistance. Many cancer centers have social workers who specialize in cancer patients and families. Read more about this service in a blog written by Mayo Clinic social work:
- How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/
2. Ask about financial and charitable assistance at the hospital where your son is receiving care. Mayo and other institutions have this:
- Charitable Care and Financial Assistance at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/billing-insurance/financial-assistance
3. Drug assistant programs. Medications and treatments can be prohibitively expensive. Many of the pharmaceutical manufacturers offer patient assistant programs. Ask the oncology nurse or social worker about the availability of such programs.
4. Volunteer programs. There are several non-profit organizations that offer free services for things like transportation, housing while in treatment, house cleaning, child care and more. Your social worker can help with your specific needs, but here are a few examples:
- Road to Recovery, transportation https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/road-to-recovery.html
- Hope Lodge, accommodation during treatment https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge.html
Is your son an adult patient or a pediatric patient?