supportive care
emotional and spiritual care
St. Francis believes that treating cancer involves looking after patients' overall well-being, not just their medical progress. In 1997, St. Francis launched the Emmanuel Program to address patients' emotional and spiritual needs. Based on the Hebrew word meaning "God with us," the Emmanuel Program is an inter-denominational faith-based ministry, for all patients and their families, of all religions and beliefs. Each part of the Emmanuel Program is tailored to patients' own beliefs and desires.
Patients in the Emmanuel Program may participate in spiritual counseling with the Cancer Center's chaplain, music therapy, and massage therapy. The program also maintains a chapel,with morning devotional sevices,on the fifth floor for patients, family members and visitors to use at their convenience.
nutrition support
Diet and nutrition play important roles in recovery from cancer treatment. At the hospital, the clinical nutrition staff, which consists of registered dietitians and diet technicians, helps ensure oncology patients get the nutrients they need. The staff caters to patients' tastes whenever possible, often obtaining special foods to meet special requests.
The Batson Cancer Care Center also has a guest refrigerator where family members can keep food for themselves and their loved one in the hospital. Guest meal trays are available for visitors to order for delivery in the patient's room. The hospital cafeteria, located on the basement level, is open during regular meal hours.
Before patients leave the hospital, dietitians counsel family members or support people about meal planning and preparation based on the patient's needs. This emphasis on nutrition as part of cancer therapy contributes to good outcomes once patients return home.
palliative care
Palliative Care at St. Francis is focused on enhancing quality of life for patients and families through the full course of a chronic, debilitating or serious illness, like cancer, regardless of prognosis.
The focus of Palliative Care at St. Francis is on relief of suffering by identifying and addressing the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient and family, as well as guiding them through the disease process and providing information on what to expect, treatment options, and resources available. Learn more >>
home-based services
St. Francis HomeCare provides specially-trained health care professionals, including nursing staff, home health aides, medical social workers, and physical, speech and occupational therapists,to administer prescribed treatment and therapies in the patient's home. St. Francis HomeCare also offers a Spiritual Care program with chaplains who are available to visit patients at home. Learn more >>
When modern medicine no longer can be a benefit, Open Arms Hospice provides support and comfort in the patient's home, or residential/skilled nursing facility. Hospice is for those who have a life expectancy of six months or less, who have a primary caregiver in the home and who no longer are pursuing aggressive treatment. Open Arms Hospice uses a team concept to provide care and support to patients and their families. Registered nurses, physicians, nursing assistants, licensed social workers, bereavement counselors, chaplains, and specially trained volunteers work with the patient and family to establish the plan of care. Learn more >>
