Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that usually originates in the bone marrow and causes abnormal blood cells. People can have chronic leukemia that progresses slowly or acute forms that develop rapidly.
Individuals with leukemia may need treatment at an inpatient medical facility to manage their condition. Depending on the individual’s general health and the type of leukemia they have, home care could be an alternative option.
People who receive medical care at home may need the support of a team of caregivers and medical professionals such as nurses, physicians, social workers, and home helps.
This article looks at home care for leukemia patients. It explores Medicare coverage, safety precautions, and how loved ones can support individuals as they navigate this challenging time.
Individuals living with leukemia may need a range of care and support at home because of their symptoms or to administer their treatment regime.
Physical therapists
Physical therapists work with patients to help them regain motion and mobility. They also help increase the individual’s strength by using targeted exercises, stretches, and massages.
Registered nurses
Registered nurses can visit individuals at home to perform skilled tasks that require a medical professional. Examples of these tasks could include administering intravenous fluids, medications, wound care, and dressings. Also, they can dispense appropriate medicines and treatments.
Licensed practical nurses
Licensed practical nurses provide more basic at home bedside care, such as giving injections, monitoring temperature, measuring blood pressure, and recording vital signs.
If an individual cannot leave their bed, a licensed practical nurse can care for bedsores and manage catheters.
Nutritionists
People with leukemia often experience a loss of appetite. Nutritionists can help individuals create meal plans that provide adequate nutrients but are palatable for people who do not always feel like eating.
Home care aides
Home health or care aides can assist with daily personal tasks such as helping the individual go to the bathroom, get dressed or changed, get into and out of their bed, walk around, and bathe.
Individuals with leukemia may find even minor daily tasks challenging because of general fatigue or because of symptoms such as dizziness. A home care aide ensures that people stay safe while caring for the daily needs.
Palliative care
Individuals may also benefit from palliative care options. Palliative care helps individuals go about their daily lives while bringing as much relief as possible from the symptoms and stresses of living with a severe health condition. It can provide emotional support for both the individual and their family members and friends.
Palliative care aims to improve quality of life. It is an option for people who may recover from leukemia and those who no longer receive curative treatment and may enter a hospice.
Medicare covers many of the costs associated with leukemia treatment, but people will have out-of-pocket expenses to cover.
If an individual receives hospital care or inpatient surgery, Medicare Part A covers the cost, whereas Medicare Part B covers outpatient chemotherapy care and surgeries. Medicare Advantage plans match this coverage.
The costs that an individual must cover include:
- monthly premiums
- deductibles
- copayments
- coinsurance
- excess charges
The term leukemia encompasses different cancers that vary in severity. The daily life of people with leukemia depends on their symptoms and treatment.
Individuals who are yet to start treatment or are suffering from a chronic form of leukemia may be able to continue their regular daily routine and still go to work and exercise. However, people who have started treatment may begin to experience mild and severe side effects.
One of the main treatments for leukemia is chemotherapy, which aims to destroy cancer cells. Although for many people this treatment is effective, one of the side effects is extreme fatigue. Consequently, people undergoing treatment may spend a lot of time resting in bed. Likewise, individuals with terminal leukemia may also sleep for extended periods.
Family and friends of people living with leukemia must take precautions to keep the individual as healthy as possible.
Individuals with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, are immunocompromised, meaning they have a weak immune system. If the individual with leukemia becomes unwell, their immune system cannot effectively combat the infection, meaning they could become extremely ill.
People sharing a household and the individual with leukemia should get vaccinated against flu. They should not receive the nasal spray vaccine because this contains a live virus that could put the immunocompromised person at risk.
Additionally, people in the household follow basic hygiene protocols such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding ill people.
If anyone in the household has signs of infection, they should contact their healthcare team immediately.
Individuals with leukemia should try to eat a healthy, balanced diet to help them stay stronger during and after the treatment and tolerate any side effects. The body also needs good nutrition to help it replace the blood cells and tissues damaged through chemotherapy and regain strength and energy.
People with leukemia should aim to eat a variety of foods to make sure the body receives the nutrients it needs. A balanced diet includes:
- fruits and vegetables
- lean sources of protein
- plant-based oils like olive oil
- low-fat dairy
- whole grains
Diets should limit saturated and trans fats, sugar, salt, and alcohol.
People need to maintain hydration by drinking enough water, tea, and non-sugary drinks. Water may help alleviate chemotherapy side effects such as constipation and fatigue and help individuals rehydrate themselves after vomiting, contributing further to dehydration.
If someone’s symptoms include diarrhea or reflux, they should consider non-caffeinated beverages.
Although the food someone eats cannot treat cancer, it can make a difference to someone’s health and how they feel.
People who survive cancer and have strong emotional support and encouragement often adjust more easily, have a more positive outlook, and a better quality of life. Family and friends can make a big difference to individuals living with leukemia.
Living with leukemia is challenging for everyone involved, and the individual needs flexibility and patience. Friends and family can support the person by staying in contact, visiting, offering their services, and bringing little gifts to let the individual know that people are thinking of them.
No matter how strong the individual may seem, everyone benefits from having friends and support.
Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that vary in severity. People living with leukemia have a range of treatment options and support to help them manage their daily lives. They could receive nursing, nutritional, physical therapy, and home health support.
Individuals should talk to the doctor or cancer care team to find out about home care for leukemia patients. Depending on the individual’s needs, medical professionals could administer their cancer treatments at home rather than at an inpatient facility.
No matter the situation, the family and friends of individuals living with leukemia, should offer emotional support whenever possible to improve their quality of life.
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May 15, 2021 at 11:28PM
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Home care for leukemia patients: Types, diet, and more - Medical News Today
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