When you’re living with cancer, the practicalities of everyday life can feel like an extra burden. Getting to appointments, caring for children or pets, managing the house and staying connected – these things all continue even when your energy and circumstances change.
This page brings together guidance and resources to help you manage at home during and after treatment. From questions to ask your specialist to help with household tasks and digital access, there’s support available and you don’t have to search for it alone.
Our teams support people affected by cancer across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Get in touch if you’d like a conversation about what’s available near you.
Practical home help for those with cancer
We have collated a range of resources and tips to support you with accessing practical support at home when you’re living with cancer.
Questions to ask your specialist
−It can be hard to know what to ask at medical appointments, especially when you’re processing a lot of information. Preparing questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your clinical team and feel more in control.
Useful questions might include: What are my treatment options? What side effects should I expect and how can I manage them? Who do I contact if I have concerns between appointments? What support services does the hospital offer?
It’s always fine to bring a list (like our helpful checklist), take notes or ask for information in writing.
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You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:
Transport and travel
+Getting to and from hospital appointments can be exhausting and expensive, particularly if you are having frequent treatments such as radiotherapy. Several schemes can help, including hospital transport services, volunteer driver networks and fuel cost reimbursement.
The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) may help cover travel costs if you receive certain benefits or have a low income.
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Pet care
+Pets are often a huge source of comfort during illness but there may be times when treatment makes it difficult to care for them as usual, particularly if you’re staying in hospital or your mobility is affected.
The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that offers free pet fostering for people who are unwell, including help with dog walking and temporary care during hospital stays.
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Childcare and family
+If you have children or are a carer for another family member, a cancer diagnosis can make the juggling act feel impossible. There is support available, from emergency childcare help to guidance on talking to children about cancer.
Local authorities can carry out a carer’s assessment if your caring responsibilities are affected and some local charities offer practical help such as school drop-offs and wraparound childcare.
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Telling friends and family
+Deciding who to tell about your diagnosis, when and how much to share is entirely your choice. There’s no right or wrong way – some people want to tell everyone straight away, others prefer to keep it private initially.
It can help to think about what kind of support you want from different people before you have the conversation. You may also find that reactions aren’t quite what you expected; friends and family often don’t know how to respond, not because they don’t care, but because they’re worried about saying the wrong thing.
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Home adaptations
+If cancer or its treatment affects your mobility, adaptations to your home can make a real difference to your independence and quality of life. These might range from simple aids like grab rails and shower stools to more significant adaptations such as a stair lift or wet room.
An occupational therapist (OT) assessment – available through your GP or hospital team – is the best starting point. Local councils may provide a Disabled Facilities Grant to help with costs.
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You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:
Household help
+Tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping and gardening can become difficult when you’re going through treatment. There are services and volunteers who can help – some free of charge.
Your local council may offer a home help service and organisations such as Age UK and local volunteer networks often run shopping and befriending services. Your GP or Macmillan nurse can also refer you to community support.
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You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:
Digital access
+Online resources, video consultations and NHS apps can all make managing your care much easier but only if you have internet access and the confidence to use it. If you or a family member struggles with digital access, there is support available.
Good Things Foundation runs the National Databank which provides free mobile data to people who cannot afford it. Libraries across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight also offer free internet access and digital support sessions.
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You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:
Prescription costs
+Some cancer patients are entitled to free NHS prescriptions. If you have cancer and need medication for it or are undergoing treatment that affects your endocrine system (such as certain hormone therapies), you may qualify for a Medical Exemption Certificate.
If you take many medications, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could also save you money, capping your costs at a fixed amount no matter how many items you need.
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