Cancer and the treatment for the disease can make you tired or have other problems for short or longer periods. Then you may need practical help or some help to cope with everyday life.
You may be entitled to more practical help and more help than you think, but it varies depending on where you live. Ask the contact nurse, your doctor or the curator what is available.
You can read more about which people can participate in your care in the text What is cancer rehabilitation?
If you lose hair
Some treatments can cause you to lose hair, such as your head, eyebrows or eyelashes.
Some use a shawl or cap for the duration of treatment.
Some prefer wigs. Then the doctor writes a referral so you can get it. You are entitled to compensation for the wig. The contribution varies widely in different regions. You may pay the difference yourself if the contribution is not enough. In some places, it is also possible to receive compensation for eyelashes.
At many hospitals, companies provide courses in skincare and makeup for people with cancer. You can also learn different ways to tie shawls. Ask the curator where you can find such a course if you are interested.
Dental care can be included in the treatment
Some cancer treatments can make it easier for you to get infections in your mouth and holes in your teeth. Then you can get dental exams and some dental care for the same fee as for medical care. Ask your doctor or curator for more information.
Tools can make life easier
There are various tools that can make everyday life easier. Assistive devices may be, for example, a walker, a higher toilet seat or a safety alarm.
Ask the contact nurse or your doctor for contact with an occupational therapist if you want to discuss aids. You and the occupational therapist together decide what is best for you.
The basic supply costs nothing but you have to return the items when you no longer need them.
Sometimes you have to pay yourself for a tool you want. Then you can apply for grants from foundations or foundations.
Here you can read more about how to get help.
Grants for housing adaptation
You can get subsidies on the disease and the treatment means that you need to customize your home. For example, you may need to widen the doorways, remove the thresholds, install the elevator, or rebuild the bathroom.
Your doctor or contact nurse can help you get in touch with an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist helps with assessing your needs and the contacts needed.
Here you can read more about housing adaptation.
Travel with travel service
You can apply to the municipality for travel services for the disease and the treatment makes it difficult for you to travel by public transport.
Sick leave when visiting the health care
You may be reimbursed for the costs you have incurred for traveling to and from, for example, a health center, dentist or hospital due to the illness. The rules may be a little complicated, but you can get them explained where you are being treated.
Here you can read more about sick leave.
Home Health Care
Sometimes it is possible to get medical care at home. Then the nursing staff will come to you instead of going to the health center or hospital. Home health care can mean everything from simple sampling to more advanced care with medical equipment.
Home health care functions differently in different regions and municipalities. Your doctor or contact nurse will arrange the necessary contacts.
Home health care often collaborates with the home care service.
Home help
You can get home service if you need help with, for example, cleaning, washing, showering, dressing or shopping.
You apply for home service at the municipality. The municipality’s exchange or website can help you get in touch with an aid officer. The assistance manager and you plan together for the home service you can get.
The contact nurse or the curator can give you more advice and information if you need it.