A CARE service that supports cancer patients in their homes has helped around 800 people since its launch.
The Macmillan Carers Service was established six years ago to help people affected by cancer in West Dunbartonshire.
Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, the service provides a range of support to enable someone with cancer to stay in their own home.
Those who are caring for a relative or a friend are also offered support and respite by the highly trained Macmillan carers.
The service is under the spotlight this week as part of Carers’ Week (8-14 June 2009) which aims to highlight the vital work done by those who look after someone with cancer.
Someone who is grateful to the service she’s received is Christina Dunion, 77, of Alexandria.
Christina, who was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago, really looks forward to her twice-weekly visit from her carer.
She said: “My carer has helped me an awful lot. She takes me out and we’ll go shopping or maybe get something to eat.
“If we’re in the house, she’ll make me a cup of tea or do my washing. It’s such a great help. As I’m in the house an awful lot, I really enjoy the company as well. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
Since launching in 2002, the Macmillan Carers Service has developed to provide palliative care, social and psychological support via its 12 professional carers.
This helps to avoid unnecessary admission to hospital or residential care by providing necessary support in times of need.
The Macmillan Carers Service was also recently highly commended in a report by the Social Work Inspection Agency, an organisation that aims to improve the quality of social work services across Scotland.
Macmillan Carers Service home care organiser Shona Brown said: “This is such a worthwhile service for people with cancer and their carers.
“We work closely with our health colleagues to provide a helpful, friendly service that enables people with cancer to stay at home.”
A diagnosis can also be life-changing for the family of a cancer patient and the service aims to support relatives or friends who suddenly find themselves in the role of carer.
Rose O’Malley, 69, has been looking after her husband Patrick since he was diagnosed with throat cancer four years ago.
As a result of his cancer treatment, Patrick, 74, of Dumbarton, now uses a wheelchair to get around and is dependent on Rose.
Rose said: “Our carer Jim comes in twice a week for two-and-a-half hours which is just brilliant. This gives me the chance to get into town and get my messages or just take a break.
“As well looking after Patrick’s personal needs, Jim will sit and talk to Patrick about football or take him out if the weather’s fine. It’s a big help to me.”
Since its launch, Macmillan has funded the service, which is run in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council, with grants totaling £665,000.
Patrick Keeley, 52, of Dumbarton, who has mouth and throat cancer, said he really looks forward to the company of his carer who visits once a week.
He said: “My carer takes me out. It’s great to take the air, get away from the house and it gives me the chance to talk about whatever’s on my mind. I really look forward to the visit.”
For further information about the Macmillan Carers Service in West Dunbartonshire, telephone 01389 608010
