Resources for Mesothelioma Caregivers

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

Asking for Helpand Accepting It

Caregivers may feel they should be able to “do it all” because they aren’t the ones who are sick.

Family caregivers provide care out of love and may believe their performance is a demonstration of how much they care about their sick loved one.

Some people feel uncomfortable asking for or accepting offers of help, regardless of the

situation.

(800) 615-2270

What Do Caregivers Need Help With?

Financial support Transportation and

accommodation for treatment Practical help (house or yard

work, respite care, running errands, baby-sitting)

Emotional support Equipment, supplies

(800) 615-2270

National Organizations

Financial Assistance:

Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

www.socialsecurity.gov

VA Benefits: Veterans with asbestos-related diseases may

be eligible for VA Disability Compensation. Surviving spouses

can receive money through Dependency and Indemnity

Compensation www.va.gov

Patient Advocate Foundation Co-pay Relief www.Copays.org

(800) 615-2270

National Organizations (Cont.)

Financial Assistance:

CancerCare www.cancercare.org/financial (Also provides travel

help)

HealthWell Foundation www.healthwellfoundation.org

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition www.cancerfac.org

NeedyMeds www.needymeds.org

(800) 615-2270

Trusts and Legal Help

Asbestos Trust Funds: More than $30 billion

sit in trust funds uniquely created to

compensate those affected by mesothelioma.

Lawsuits: The unfortunate truth is that

sometimes you are forced to sue someone to

get what’s rightfully yours. This may mean

filing a claim against companies responsible.

(800) 615-2270

National Organizations

Transportation:

Angel Flight www.Angelflight.com

Corporate Angel Network www.corpangelnetwork.org

American Cancer Society (volunteer drivers)

www.cancer.org

(800) 615-2270

National Organizations (Cont.)

Emotional Support

Caring.com (online support group for caregivers)

Find a Therapist/Psychology Today

(800) 615-2270

National Organizations (Cont.)

Practical Help:

Cleaning for a Reason www.cleaningforareason.org

American Cancer Society (database of free or reduced

cost medical supplies/medical equipment) www.cancer.org

(800) 615-2270

Finding State and Local Resources

Resources to assist cancer patients and caregivers vary

from state to state:

Examples of some resources and services

Free or reduced-cost respite care for caregivers

Case management services

Grants for transportation to and from treatment

(800) 615-2270

Finding State and Local Resources (Cont.)

Finding what is available in your state:

Go to your state’s government website and search for

“caregiver services” or “cancer patient services.”

(800) 615-2270

Finding Support in Your Community

Oncology social worker

Many comprehensive cancer treatment centers employ social

workers that specialize in assisting cancer patient and

caregivers.

Senior Centers

May have caregiver support groups.

May provide referral sources and info on caregiver resources

in the area.

(800) 615-2270

Local and Community Resources

Even greater variation in caregiver support services at the local level.

Urban areas usually have more options than rural areas.

(800) 615-2270

Local Support (Cont.)

Churches and temples May have faith-based caregiver and cancer support groups. Volunteers may offer rides to and from treatment, help with meals or even crisis financial support.

Caregiver support organization Provides on-site respite care. Counseling for caregivers. Case managers who specialize in caregiving.

(800) 615-2270

Help for Mesothelioma Caregivers

Being a caregiver is stressful in many ways.

It is okay to seek and accept help as a caregiver.

There is a lot of support and assistance available if you know where to look.

(800) 615-2270

Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270