Case Management
Sarasota Memorial’s clinical and pyschosocial case management team ensures patients are responding well to therapy in the hospital and have the resources upon discharge to continue promoting optimal health. From arranging home care, rehabilitation and /or nursing home stays, to facilitating transportation to and from doctors’ offices, access to medication and medical equipment and offering help sorting through medical bills and insurance questions, our case management team plays a critical role in helping patients and their families cope with the many challenges associated with cancer.
Nutrition
Our Food & Nutrition team makes efforts, not just on a daily basis, but a meal by meal basis, to prepare foods that are not only appetizing, but also individualized to boost the immune system
and support each patient’s specific health needs. A registered dietician is dedicated to the oncology service and available for education and consultation. Outpatient consultations and visits
also may be arranged.
Rehabilitation
Sarasota Memorial’s rehab therapists offer a wide range of services to help our cancer patients regain their strength following treatment. The oncology rehab program includes respiratory and pulmonary therapy for lung cancer patients, specialized therapy in our Lymphedema Clinic for breast cancer patients, and tailored plans of physical, occupational and speech therapy for people recovering from all kinds of cancer.
Home Care
For patients recuperating at home, we have specially qualified nurses who provide around-the-clock care, including pain management, IV therapy, nutritional counseling, rehabilitation and psychological support. Home care aides also are available to help with activities of daily living, including bathing, meal preparation, shopping and transportation.
Skilled Nursing Care
Sarasota Memorial’s hospital-based Transitional Care Unit is a 32-bed skilled nursing facility for seriously ill, but medically stable patients who require skilled nursing care, rehabilitative care and/or technological treatment and support. Besides providing access to the hospital’s continuum of care seven days a week, our skilled nursing center offers round-the-clock acute nursing care and a higher staff-to-patient ratio than that offered in most community skilled nursing facilities.
Spiritual Services
Our non-denominational chaplains are available to provide counseling and spiritual and moral support for people of all faiths 24 hours a day, every day.
Palliative Care & Symptom Management
Quality of life is extremely important, particularly for people whose cancers cannot be cured. Whether our patients are hospitalized or choose to remain at home, our oncology care team is available to help patients manage their symptoms and achieve pain relief. Every effort is made to assure round-the-clock emergency medical services, counseling and spiritual support.
Complementary Care
Managing some symptoms of cancer can be enhanced through complementary treatments, such as massage therapy, meditation and relaxation techniques, herbal supplements and even exercise. Beware of unproven claims associated with some alternative cancer treatments that profess to “cure” cancer. A better approach blends complementary therapy with traditional therapy for the best outcomes. Sarasota Memorial is proud to offer our patients the comfort and help of a cadre of oncology volunteers ... many of whom have battled cancer themselves and returned to offer morale support to others.
Managing Pain & Side Effects
Your cancer treatment plan may result in side effects, some mild, some severe. No matter how great or small the symptoms, it’s important to share them with your doctor and nurses. The information could affect their treatment decisions, including extra measures to make you more comfortable.
Cancer pain can take many forms. It may be short-lived or long-lasting, mild or severe. It can affect one or multiple parts of the body.
It’s easier to relieve pain early, so be sure to let your doctor or Sarasota Memorial’s pain care team know how you’re feeling when it first starts. Don’t wait for it to worsen. Remember that most pain and discomfort can be minimized, and that unmanaged, pain can hinder your body’s response to treatment.
Recognizing that each patient’s pain – and threshold for pain – is unique, our pain care team consists of physicians and nurses with advanced training in pain care. Together, they individualize each patient’s treatment plan using the latest available methods to manage pain.
A clinical pharmacist dedicated to the oncology service is an important member of the multi-disciplinary team, ensuring our patients receive their medications when they need them and addressing any other medication concerns you or your doctor may have. They are always available for consultation.
Outpatient Pain Care
If you are experiencing pain at home or outside the hospital, the same specialized pain care planning is available on an outpatient basis in our Pain Management Center at the Sarasota Memorial Health Care Center at University Parkway.
Sarasota Memorial’s Cancer Information Center
Sarasota Memorial’s Cancer Information Center is open 9 a.m.-5p.m. weekdays to help you find information and literature on most cancer-related topics, including diagnosis, treatment, supportive care and community resources. The center also provides free internet access with assistance to locate credible research. Books, videos and audiotapes are available, as well as the latest medical journals. For your convenience, the Cancer Information Center is located on the hospital’s first floor, between the main lobby and the “B elevators. You may also visit our website at www.smh.com for information on a wide spectrum of cancer care.
For information about any of our cancer services call (941)917-1981.
