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USA: Help at home

Part of treatment happens at home. This chapter explains how to organise care at home in the USA and when to call for urgent help.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a checklist on a fridge with a thermometer and a pill organiser.
Figure 1.Home care needs a plan.

01Short answer

The main tasks at home: giving medicines on time, taking the temperature daily, hygiene and safe food, a clean bed and room, and getting to appointments. When several relatives share the tasks, nobody burns out. Ask your treatment centre about home nursing and visiting services. The team’s phone number should always be in plain sight.

02Simple explanation

Medicines: on time and as prescribed.

Temperature: every day.

The team’s number: in plain sight.

03Scientific explanation

Caregivers: the NCI advises caregivers to share tasks, ask for help and look after their own health.

Fever: according to the NCI, fever during neutropenia can be the first sign of a serious infection and needs urgent assessment.

04What happens in the body?

A daily plan

Stick the medicine schedule on the fridge and use a weekly pill organiser. Note the temperature and how the patient feels; it helps the doctor.

Fever and warning signs

Take the temperature at the same time every day. 38 °C or higher, chills, bleeding or breathlessness: call at once.

On a dark navy background, a thermometer and a glass of water by a bed at night.
Figure 2.Take the temperature every day.

A clean, comfortable room

Change bedding often, air the room, and avoid dusty renovation and harsh chemicals. Keep the floor clear to prevent falls.

On a dark navy background, a freshly made bed in a tidy room.
Figure 3.A clean room helps recovery.

05Home care in four steps

A simple daily routine.

Medicines — With a weekly organiser.1MedicinesWith a weekly organiser.
Temperature — Every day.2TemperatureEvery day.
Cleanliness — Room and bed.3CleanlinessRoom and bed.
Number — The team’s phone at hand.4NumberThe team’s phone at hand.
SafetyProblems show early.
OrderNo missed doses.
CalmThe family knows what to do.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
A daily planStick the medicine schedule on the fridge and use a weekly pill organiser. Note the temperature and how the patient feels; it helps the doctor.
Fever and warning signsTake the temperature at the same time every day. 38 °C or higher, chills, bleeding or breathlessness: call at once.
A clean, comfortable roomChange bedding often, air the room, and avoid dusty renovation and harsh chemicals. Keep the floor clear to prevent falls.

07Key terms

Home nursing
Visits by a health worker at home.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.
Pill organiser
A box divided by day.
Fever
A temperature of 38 °C or higher.

08Key points

  • Medicine schedule in sight.
  • Temperature every day.
  • 38 °C: call at once.
  • A clean room with no fall hazards.
  • Share the tasks.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a fever down at home?

During neutropenia call the team first; medicine can hide a sign of infection.

Can a nurse visit at home?

Some centres offer this; ask yours.

What if the caregiver falls ill?

They should keep away from the patient, wear a mask and find a stand-in.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I bring a fever down at home?

  2. Can a nurse visit at home?

  3. What if the caregiver falls ill?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Caring for the Caregiver
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fever and cancer treatment (Infection and Neutropenia)
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. Vewin (Association of Dutch drinking water companies). Official website
  5. Business.gov.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency). Sick pay: continued payment of wages
  6. KWF Kankerbestrijding. Official website (in Dutch)
  7. GOV.UK (FCDO). Netherlands travel advice: getting help
  8. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: United Kingdom fact sheet
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Patients’ Immune Cells to Treat Their Cancers
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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