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cpwells Asked February 2015

What options are available for a senior who needs radiation and chemo for cancer but is too debilitated to go for outpatient care?

My already weak 84 year old father has been diagnosed with cancer and has been prescribed daily treatment for 3-4 weeks. He is living independently with my mother, who does not drive. He currently is unable to muster the strength to get out of bed and it seems likely he will not be able to make it to the treatments on a regular basis. We do not have the resources for private care but my parents do have insurance on top of Medicare/Medicaid. What options are available to assist my father to enable him to receive the chemo and radiation he needs?

freqflyer Feb 2015
cpwells, talk to your Dad's Oncologist, I am sure he/she have been down this road before with other patients. The doctor might has a list of volunteers who drive people to chemo/radiation appointments.

You said about your Dad "currently is unable to muster the strength to get out of bed", that tells me since he was diagnosed he rather stay in bed. Been there, done that when I was diagnosed a few years ago one becomes a deer in headlights and fear takes over. Staying in bed becomes one's safe cocoon. He might be afraid of the chemo and the side effects... have his Oncologist reassure him and explain what might be the temporary side effects, if any.

Eyerishlass Feb 2015
If your father is too weak to get out of bed I don't know what other options there are to get him to radiation and chemo.

Maybe it's time to start looking into hospice.

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