Memorial Cancer Institute
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Support Services
Social services provide much-needed assistance for patients and families adjusting to cancer. Experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate Oncology Social Workers can direct patients to specific services, including one-on-one counseling to help patients manage anxiety, loss of independence and other concerns. Referrals can also be provided for family counseling which can help restore balance for family members during and after a loved one’s cancer treatment. Other support services include discharge planning, referrals to community resources, pain management, home health care, hospice care and bereavement counseling.
Memorial Cancer Institute is proud to offer a variety of complimentary services to enhance your recovery time. These include:
- Cancer Recovery Scholarship Program
One of the most important ways cancer patients can facilitate their recovery is by participating in a wellness program. This program provides vital rehabilitation services to help cancer patients improve their quality of life. This non-profit program is available through Memorial Fitness & Rehabilitation Centers. This program offers a free, two-month membership to the Centers for qualified patients. For more information about the Cancer Recovery Scholarship Program call (954) 985-5800. - Community Support Groups
In addition, Memorial Healthcare System hosts a variety of support groups where participants can share similar experiences in a comfortable, caring setting. Some support groups assist with specific conditions and issues, while others are more general in nature. Memorial Cancer Institute is involved with Gilda’s Club of South Florida, which specializes in support groups for children and adults. We also offer programs in partnership with the American Cancer Society, including “Look Good … Feel Better” and “I Can Cope.” Further, we partner with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to provide educational forums and special events, such as Light Up the Night. For more information contact your Oncology Social Worker. - Education
Education, social services, recovery programs and support programs are essential in helping to meet the physical and emotional needs of cancer patients and their families. Memorial Cancer Institute strives to educate patients through a variety of resources. The outpatient chemotherapy and radiation oncology areas provide reading material on many cancer related topics, as does the David J. Ross Resource Center at Memorial Regional Hospital. All clinical sites also provide Internet access for comprehensive research and education. - Oncology Social Workers
Oncology Social Workers provide much-needed assistance for patients and families in adjusting to cancer. Experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate social workers can provide brief supportive counseling, financial counseling, stress management and information regarding advance directives.
In addition, an Oncology Social Worker can refer patients to specific services, including one-on-one counseling, family counseling and bereavement counseling as well as provide appropriate referrals to community programs that assist patients and families with needs such as transportation, home health care, hospice care and financial assistance. For more information, please contact:
Memorial Cancer Institute – Regional
(954) 987-2020, ext. 5768
Memorial Cancer Institute
(954) 987-2020, ext. 6471 (Regional)
(954) 430-6880, ext. 9712 (West)
- Patient-and Family-Centered Care
Memorial Cancer Institute is a Patient- and Family-Centered Care facility designed to promote and support a mutually beneficial partnership between patients and families and healthcare professionals. We recognize that patients and families have the greatest influence over their health and well-being, and bring important strengths to their healthcare experience.
Patient- and Family-Centered Care strives to:
- Share complete and unbiased information with patients and families
- Involve patients and families in all aspects of planning, delivering and evaluating healthcare services
- Honor the racial, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity of patients and families
- Recognize and build on patient and family strengths
- Implement policies and programs that are responsive to patient and family-identified needs, including emotional and financial support
In an effort to collaborate with patients and families, Memorial Cancer Institute has a Patient and Family Advisory Council. The Patient and Family Advisory Counsel is a group of patients and caregivers who have utilized the Memorial Cancer Institute services and are willing to volunteer their time to work in a collaborative effort to improve services. This council meets on a monthly basis to review policies, procedures, and practices.
- Registered Clinical Dietitian
A healthy diet is essential for your body to perform at its best. Nutritional demands are increased during cancer therapy and an appropriate diet is important in order to improve response to possible side effects, build/maintain strength and prevent body tissue from breaking down and fuel the body to improve immune functions and assist in the prevention of future cancers. Nutritional services are provided for patients and their families on an individual basis. For additional information, please contact Debi Krieman, MPH, RD, LD/N Registered Clinical Dietitian at (954) 987-2020, ext. 7028 or (954) 430-6868. - Reiki
Reiki is a form of relaxation to balance the mind, body and spirit. Reiki is an excellent complement to conventional medical treatments. Experience this gentle yet powerful method of relaxation and stress reduction at no cost. A Reiki practitioner is available at Memorial Cancer Institute West on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am - 1pm. - Therapeutic Relaxation Massage
A gentle relaxation massage can relieve pain or help keep it from getting worse by reducing tension in the muscles, and relieve joint pain associated with immobility. Memorial Hospital West patients can receive a free, 10-minute, fully-clothed chair massage while receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments. These chair massages are also available to caregivers. No appointments are necessary.
For more information about Support Services, please contact Katharine Campbell, LCSW at (954) 430-6880, ext. 9712 or Kcampbell@mhs.net.