Supportive Care
Our extensive cancer care extends beyond diagnosis and treatment to help patients get the support they need for body, mind, and spirit on their cancer journey. Here’s what we offer your patients.
Our cancer team at Premier Health wants your patient to have an active part in their own cancer care. We offer many services to aid emotional, physical, and spiritual healing for your patient – and support for their loved ones.
Our hope is that these additional resources will make your patient's journey more comfortable and manageable, throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
Refer to Us
Premier Health has extended Survivorship Program services to all of our cancer patients – regardless of their treatment location - by optimizing virtual and telehealth options.
Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer and its treatment can sometimes take a toll on your patient's ability to regain normal physical function. Premier Health offers oncology rehabilitation, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, to regain your patient's strength, endurance, and mobility. We also provide lymphedema therapy if they develop lymphedema, a swelling caused by damage to the body’s lymphatic system. The swelling most frequently affects the head, neck, limbs, breast, and trunk, and therapy can assist with lymph drainage.
Our Healthy Steps program at Atrium Medical Center will help your patient restore range of motion, enhance physical and emotional balance, and reduce swelling from lymphedema. The classes are free, set to music and designed for sitting or standing. To enroll, call (513) 934-5657(513) 934-5657.
Classes, Programs, And Events
Learning more about cancer or sharing the experience with others can be positive steps to empower your patient as they move through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Check our program and calendar listings to find a support group, event, or seminar that interests your patient.
Exercise Therapy
Your patient can participate in a range of exercise programs across our Premier Health locations designed specially for people living with cancer. Classes include warm water exercise through Miami Valley Hospital South, strength and conditioning classes, Tai Chi, yoga, and a movement program set to music for people with cancer or lymphedema. Many of these activities can help improve sleep, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life.
Expressions Of Hope Boutiques
If you're patient has experienced a lumpectomy or mastectomy, our knowledgeable staff at the Expressions of Hope Boutique knows how to help. We specialize in restoring confidence and femininity with innovative breast forms and partial shapers. Most major health plans are accepted, and financial assistance is available if your patient qualifies.
Facilities for Patients and Loved Ones
The cancer treatment journey can be challenging for patients and families. Premier Health's cancer treatment facilities offer peaceful, soothing spaces that encourage healing. Try suggestions from our cancer care team for relaxing in our cancer treatment facilities before and during treatment.
Financial Support
Our customer service representatives and financial counselors are available with counseling and support, especially if your patient is uninsured, underinsured, or they've had a recent financial hardship such as a job loss. We offer services that include helping create a payment plan, exploring options for financial assistance, and connecting your patient with local clinics that meet a variety of medical needs.
Genetic Counseling And Testing
A cancer diagnosis often raises questions about cancer types that can be inherited. With genetic testing and counseling, we can help determine if your patient's cancer is hereditary and if there is risk of other family members being diagnosed. Results can assist physicians in developing an ongoing care plan for all involved. Read more about genetic counseling and testing for breast cancer.
Hospice And Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on managing pain, anxiety, and other symptoms – rather than providing a cure – so your patient can enjoy life more fully. Your patient can receive palliative care throughout their cancer treatment and even when they stop receiving treatment. Our palliative care team can also help family members cope with caregiving responsibilities and provide support and resources for financial, legal, insurance, and end-of-life concerns.
Hospice care generally is reserved for the last six months of life – to improve the quality of your patient's time with family and friends once curative treatment stops. Choosing hospice doesn’t mean that your patient or their family is giving up hope. Instead, hospice care focuses on your patient as a whole person, helping them take steps to live as comfortably and as fully as possible.
In-Home Cancer Care
If the demands of your patient's cancer are greater than your patient and their loved ones can manage alone, our home health service can provide additional help and resources. We can help with symptom management, emotional support, identifying community services, and more.
Nutrition Counseling
Healthy eating is vital to recovery from cancer. Premier Health licensed clinical dietitians are specialists who will help your patient develop meal plans that fit their lifestyle. They’ll also help find the best solutions to common side effects of treatment like loss of appetite, taste differences, and nausea. Learn how dietitians can help your patient during their cancer journey.
Oncology Nurse Navigators
Cancer care can be complex and, at times, overwhelming. Oncology nurse navigators are nurses specially trained in oncology care who help your patient navigate through cancer treatment and beyond. Our oncology nurse navigators are knowledgeable about the best practices in cancer care and contribute to a multidisciplinary approach to fighting cancer. They can also provide resources available to cancer patients and their families.
Oncology Social Services
Your patient will also be supported by our team of licensed social workers who can connect them with counselors, financial counseling and support, legal assistance, and other resources.
Spiritual Care Services
A cancer diagnosis can test your patient's spiritual beliefs and cause stress for them and their loved ones. Premier Health pastoral care chaplains are members of the cancer health care team. Available 24/7, they’re specially trained to support your patient regardless of their faith. Chaplains routinely visit our infusion rooms to provide spiritual care to patients during treatment. Learn more about how spiritual care can benefit those with cancer.
Support Groups
Being with others who share a similar illness may provide your patient with comfort and encouragement. At Premier Health, we offer several support groups, including a general Cancer Care Support Group, Sharing Our Strength breast cancer support group, Ostomy Support Group, Look Good, Feel Better…For Women, and Healthy Steps movement class for people dealing with cancer or lymphedema.
Survivorship Support
Survivorship begins with your patient's diagnosis and continues as they live through and beyond cancer. One of the hardest things after your patient finishes treatment is not knowing what happens next. We at Premier Health believe it is important to help your patient on this next part of their journey. They may receive what’s called a Survivorship Care Plan from their provider or one of our Oncology Nurse Navigators. This care plan is created specifically for your patient; it provides a record of their treatment, potential short-term and long-term effects, guidelines for follow-up and future testing, and symptoms they should report to their doctor. This care plan can be shared with other providers on the care team and your patient's close family members.
Wig Boutique
Our Wig Boutique at Atrium Medical Center offers free wigs, hats, scarves, and turbans to anyone who has cancer. We accept donations from the community. Our helpful staff can assist you with selections and wig fittings. To make an appointment, call (513) 974-5669 (513) 974-5669.
Contact Us
Premier Health offers an extensive network of experienced cancer specialists, close to home, who welcome your referrals. Find a cancer specialist best suited to your patient’s unique needs.
Our cancer specialists have access to nationally recognized cancer care protocols and best practices, since Premier Health is a certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center.