A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can leave seniors facing new challenges long after the hospital visits. The physical and emotional toll of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can make everyday tasks — like preparing meals, bathing, or managing medications — feel overwhelming. Professional in-home care offers compassionate support during this transition, providing seniors with the assistance they need to regain strength, maintain independence, and focus on recovery in the comfort of their own home.
Family members can also feel overwhelmed by the additional tasks involved with post-cancer care. Worrying about your parent’s health can be compounded by the extra responsibilities, putting you at risk of caregiver burnout.
You don’t have to shoulder the load alone. Professional in-home caregivers at Visiting Angels can step in to support you and your mother as she recovers. From light housekeeping and personal care to offering a listening ear, we provide a wide range of non-medical services to help your family focus on recovery.
Personal and Practical Support
After breast cancer surgery or radiation therapy, getting dressed and bathing can be challenging due to soreness, stiff skin and muscles due to muscle atrophy, and swelling. As her body uses energy to recover and heal, your mom may not have the strength to stand for long periods or may get tired easily while doing light chores.
Professional in-home caregivers can provide one-on-one support for personal care needs, such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Light housekeeping
- Balance while walking
- Transportation to follow-up appointments
- Meal planning and preparation
- Medication reminders
- Running errands
Talk with a Visiting Angels team member about the specific challenges your mom is facing. We can design a home care plan with the frequency and services you both need to feel supported.
Safe, Comfortable Home Environment
Making your loved one’s home environment comfortable and cozy can go a long way toward successful recovery at home. Look around their home and determine what modifications would make her feel more comfortable and at ease.
An in-home care provider can help keep your mother comfortable and safe during recovery. We can help adjust her cushions and make sure commonly used items, such as water glasses and healthy snacks, are within reach at counter height to avoid unnecessary stretching.
We can also help to reduce fall risks for seniors at home, which can lead to rehospitalization. For example, we will point out tripping hazards such as loose rugs or electrical cords that could result in a fall.
Emotional and Social Support
Breast cancer surgery changes the way a woman looks and feels and can have a significant impact on her self-esteem. Recovery can take several months, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, anger, and resentment.
We can provide companion care with social interaction and conversation to help brighten your mother’s day. Our caregivers love hearing seniors share stories, and we enjoy participating in their favorite hobbies, such as playing cards, watching movies, and doing crafts. A neutral, listening ear can help some seniors feel cared for and seen.
Respectful and Personal Care from Visiting Angels
Navigating breast cancer often means losing some control over one’s energy and sense of control — especially when it comes to needing help at home. Visiting Angels will treat your mother with respect, honoring her preferences while keeping her safe and comfortable at home.
You don’t have to carry the responsibilities of breast cancer caregiving on your own. If you or your mother needs extra support, consider having an open and caring conversation about how in-home care can assist. Your mother and you deserve the chance to simply enjoy time together — without the constant weight of an ever-growing to-do list.
Contact your local Visiting Angels office to create a custom care plan for your mother.