CANSA understands that specialist support is required when a patient is terminal, and family members need assistance in caring for their loved one, or when circumstances demand that they are temporarily not able to care for their loved one. CANSA is able to offer this respite service for a short period to help patients and their loved ones through this difficult time.
CANSA Care Rooms provide accommodation and care for terminal and bedridden cancer patients for the purpose of nursing care, pain control and alleviation of symptoms. Members of patient’s family are also able to take a break from the hard work of caring for a bedridden patient. This is called respite. Respite accommodation is available for a period of 14 days for terminal and / or bedridden patients. End of life accommodation is available for a period of up to 6 weeks. A respite period for families of non-terminal cancer patients may also be arranged.
CANSA can offer this service through our partnerships with local retirement homes which have frail care facilities. The retirement home allocates a room to CANSA and then local community members and businesses assist CANSA to furnish, decorate and prepare the room to ensure that it is comfortable for our patients.
Cancer patients have priority access to this service. Patients must be registered by CANSA to access this service and will be supported by CANSA volunteer services.
Support Resources for cancer Survivors & Loved Ones
Find additional online resources for cancer Survivors (anyone who has heard the words ‘you have cancer’) or loved ones, and about coping with cancer.