Coping with the practical issues when you have a cancer diagnosis
The information on this page may be helpful to cancer patients and those caring for them.
- Where can I get practical assistance with day to day living?
- Is there any support in getting to cancer treatment?
- Where can I get financial advice and assistance?
- I am confused about my legal matters and need to get things in order, can I get some help?
Where can I get practical assistance with day to day living?
If you are over 65 or have a life threatening illness you may be able to access assistance with a range of day to day activities through the Commonwealth funded Home and Community Care programs (HACC).
This may include assistance with everyday household tasks, preparation or delivery of meals, minor work in your home or yard to maintain your safety, independence and access or minor structural changes to your home to help maintain your independence and safety.
It may also include personal assistance provided by a registered or enrolled nurse or assistance to support your independence in your personal care activities such as showering and dressing. In order to stay at home you may require assistance to keep up with essential activities such as shopping, banking and maintaining social contacts. For more specific problems allied health professionals may assist to enhance nutrition, function, strength, independence and safety. You may need assistance to help you attend doctor’s appointments and treatments.
To find out whether you are eligible or for more information you can call the Commonwealth Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222 or browse the Western Australia Home and Community Care website.
If you are under 65 and are having difficulty with day to day activities the Cancer Council Helpline can assist you to identify services in your local area that may be able to assist you.
The Cancer Council also offers a limited range of practical support to those patients and families affected by cancer who are not eligible for support from the Commonwealth government funded services. To find out if you are eligible call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
Is there any support in getting to cancer treatment?
Getting to your cancer treatment centre and finding suitable parking can become a significant stress for patients and carer’s. Some transport assistance is available. For information about services you can access in your area call the Helpline 13 11 20.
Where can I get financial advice and assistance?
The time and costs associated with cancer treatment and recovery can have a significant impact on your financial situation. Your hospital social worker or the Cancer Council Helpline community services coordinator may be able to provide you with some information and practical measures to manage your finances.
Limited financial assistance is available through the Cancer Council WA to eligible cancer patients who are undergoing active treatment or who are palliative, and who meet the financial hardship criteria. To find out if you are eligible, you need to meet with the social worker at your treating hospital. If you do not have access to a social worker at your treating hospital, contact the Community Services Liason Officer at the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Centrelink financial assistance may be available through benefits and pensions and can help pay for the cost of prescription medicines. You may also be eligible for Centrelink Payments. Carers may qualify for the Carers Allowance (non means/asset tested) and/ or the Carers Payment. The Centrelink website will provide you with more information about the options and services available to you.
Cancer Council WA, in association with Byfields Accountants and Financial Planners offers a free once only appointment for financial advice service to cancer patients and their family. This service provides information on a range of financial issues. For more information or to arrange a free half hour consultation contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
The Financial Counselling Hotline offers a free telephone service to assist people with financial difficulties. Contact 1800 889 364 or The Financial Counsellors of WA (Inc) website .
I am confused about my legal matters and need to get things in order. Can I get some help?
Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are not for profit, non-government organisations that provide legal and welfare services. There are some services that specialise in certain areas such as the legal problems of Centrelink benefit recipients. Others offer more general services within their local communities.
Services provided by CLCs include legal information, advice and representation to individuals and groups, community education and law reform activities and advice to governments on policy issues. Most services are free or very low cost but may have eligibility criteria. The Legal Aid website has more information.
Cancer Council WA, in association with the HHG Legal Group, offers a free once only appointment for legal advice to cancer patients and their family. The service provides information on a range of community based, general practice legal issues prior to the need for legal proceedings. You can also ask general questions about making a will, power of attorney, enduring power of attorney and estate planning. To arrange an appointment or to get further information you can call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
The Cancer Council NSW has a booklet titled Understanding your rights which covers basic information. This includes legal rights and responsibilities and questions that may arise as a result of your diagnosis of cancer such as the effects on employment, superannuation and insurance, making a will and power of attorney. It is important to understand that law varies across the states in Australia so for advice that is specific to your personal needs it is important to speak to a lawyer who specialises in the area you are interested in.
