Cancer Care: Supportive Services

Overview

Cancer affects your entire life, and fighting it successfully requires a holistic approach. That’s why we offer our patients a comprehensive and complimentary array of support services right within our Cancer Center, as well as support groups.

Nutrition Services
Maintaining good nutrition is extremely important during cancer treatment, and the nutritional needs and challenges of those fighting cancer are different than for healthy individuals. Our registered dietician nutritionist provides nutrition monitoring and guidance to patients as part of their ongoing treatment at our Center.

Our hospital-based food pantry, “Caitlyn’s Cupboard,” supports cancer patients struggling with food insecurity through the provision of
no-cost shelf-stable food and nutritional education on a monthly basis. Each person served receives a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each member of the family, including staple items and healthy snacks. The food pantry also provides patients with nutritional information, healthy recipes, and a comprehensive list of local food assistance programs and other community resources.

Social Services
Our dedicated hematology/oncology social worker provides our patients with guidance in navigating the various social, financial and logistical challenges that many people face while undergoing cancer treatment, and assists patients in connecting with the appropriate community resources so that they can focus on getting well.

Reiki and Reflexology
We offer complementary therapies including Reiki and reflexology to our patients while they receive treatment at our Center. Complementary therapies work in tandem with a patient’s medical plan, and have been found to help cancer patients manage their symptoms, reduce side effects, regain a sense of control, and promote vitality so that patients can better cope with the stress and challenges of their illness.

Support Groups

Breast Cancer Support Group
Held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Day Kimball Hospital. For more information, call Regina Ackart, OT (860) 779-0252.

Cancer Care Wellness Support Group
This group, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Hale YMCA in Putnam, is for patients with any type of cancer and their family members and caregivers. Each meeting offers the opportunity to join others battling cancer, along with our dedicated oncology social worker, for support and discussion on a specific topic, such as managing the cost of cancer care or understanding the treatment journey. Registration is encouraged but not required, contact Pete Neal at (860) 928-6541 x2639.