Cancer has impacted every family in America in one way or another, and when it’s terminal, it’s all the more devastating. Nothing can prepare you for the heart-sinking weight of battling a terminal illness—it’s a struggle that forever changes both the sick and their families. From going through treatment to making end-of-life decisions, you have a lot of difficult issues to handle.
Being diagnosed with advanced cancer quickly puts things into perspective for you. You have to break the bad news to your family members, decide on care, and figure out how to pay for it all. There’s too much on your plate to manage alone, so here are some tips to help you along the way.
Get Proper Care
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness makes your medical decisions much more difficult than before, but getting proper care is your top priority. Your treatment options are different, and nothing in your past experiences has prepared you for this.
What steps are best for you going forward depends on your illness and your preferences. Being diagnosed with terminal cancer doesn’t mean you have to give up your fight, but it does mean that your decisions will have a lasting impact on you and your loved ones.
If you’ve been given less than six months to live, then hospice care is an ideal option. They offer everything from medical services to spiritual guidance, and they even offer grief counseling services to your family. In addition, you can receive hospice care in your own home or in one of their facilities. If you decide to receive in-home care, hospice will provide some of the equipment that’s necessary for your care and comfort.
If you’ve been given longer than six months to live, or if you’re still fighting your illness, then you should look into palliative care. It shares some similarities with hospice because you can receive longterm care in your home or in a care center, but it’s geared more towards managing terminal illness. Some patients even receive life-saving or illness-slowing treatment as a part of their palliative care.
Facilities such as Autumn Lake Healthcare Center in Salem, NJ offer palliative care, hospice care, and rehabilitation services. Centers like these also offer primary care, individualized nutrition plans, and engaging activities. If you’re unable to care for yourself and staying in your home isn’t an option, then a healthcare center that can assist you in every facet of your life is something you should look into.
Decide How You’re Going To Pay for Care
Once you’ve decided on the type of care that’s best for you, you have to work out how you’re going to pay for it all. Cancer treatment is one of the most expensive types of treatment there is, and there’s a chance that your insurance, Medicaid, or even Medicare won’t cover it all. Here are some options to make up for your out-of-pocket expenses.
Sometimes when people need money, they began looking to sell their most valuable assets. Truth be told, your life insurance policy may be your most valuable asset. A viatical settlement broker like American Life Fund will buy your life insurance policy from you for a lump sum. It’s a great way to help manage your bills and medical expenses.
Another way to cover your medical expenses is by cashing out your 401(k). If your medical bills exceed 7.5% of our income, then you can get what’s called a hardship withdrawal and avoid any penalties for cashing out your retirement plan. If you’re over 59 years old, then you don’t have to worry about accruing any early withdrawal fees.
Don’t Go Through It Alone
You’re experiencing the toughest time of your life, and the worst thing you can do is try to go through it alone. You need to surround yourself with people who uplift your spirits.
Designate someone to speak for you who can handle unwanted calls and visitors when you’re too tired to do so. Keep company with family members who want to shower you with love and positivity. The closeness of loved ones will do wonders for you.
