Moving to home care is a big step in the pancreatic cancer journey, and the length of time someone is on home care can vary greatly from family to family. Some may provide care for only a short time, while others may be in this role for weeks, months, or even longer. In some cases, it might be a caregiver managing everything on their own—if that’s you, more power to you. No matter the situation, preparing your home for care is an important step in making this time as smooth and supportive as possible.
This guide is here to help, but we also know that parts of it might feel overwhelming or emotional. When I look back, I wish I had been more prepared for what was ahead. My family and I had to figure things out as we went, which added to an already challenging experience.
Taking time to assess your home and make changes—like installing grab bars, widening doorways, or rearranging furniture—can make caregiving easier and help maintain as much normalcy as possible. Families often come together during this process, working to create a safe and comfortable environment. Whether you’re in this role for a short time or for the long haul, these adjustments can make all the difference in providing care while ensuring everyone involved feels supported.
Home Care Equipment
When your loved one moves to home care, you’ll likely be introduced to a variety of medical and assistive equipment. These tools are meant to make things safer, easier, and more comfortable, but they also bring some changes to your daily life. From mobility aids to medical devices, each piece of equipment serves a specific purpose—whether it’s helping with movement or supporting their health needs.
I’ll be honest, figuring out how to use and maintain this equipment can feel a bit overwhelming at first. You might need to rearrange your home to make space for everything and ensure it’s easy to access. But remember, you’re not alone in this. Work closely with healthcare professionals to figure out exactly what’s needed, and how to make the most of it in your home.
In our gallery, you’ll find some of the most common pieces of equipment you’ll likely encounter, along with explanations of how they’re used and links to setup guides. Common equipment that may be introduced includes:
Mobility Aids
• Hospital bed with adjustable positions
• Wheelchair or walker
• Transfer devices
• Shower chair or bath bench
• Over toilet frame with raised seat
• Toilet surround frame with support handles
Medical Equipment
• Oxygen delivery systems
• Blood pressure monitors
• Temperature monitoring devices
• Medication dispensers
Heather Cutler Foundation
Emotional Adjustments for Caregivers and Loved Ones
The emotional impact of transitioning to home care is different for every family member. It can bring family closer together, creating new opportunities for meaningful connections, but it also comes with unique challenges. You may find yourselves navigating a mix of emotions—some moments will feel heavy, while others will strengthen your bond.
It’s important to remember that adapting to these new roles and responsibilities takes time, and it’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions during this period. What matters most is creating a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns. Open communication, patience, and understanding are key to building a stronger foundation for the care journey ahead, helping both caregivers and loved ones face the challenges together.
Working With Home Care Professionals
Having a stranger come into your home to provide care can feel unsettling at first. It’s your space, your routines, and suddenly someone new is there. This can bring up feelings of anxiety—not just for you, but for your loved one as well. You might wonder how this person will fit into your daily life or if they’ll truly understand your loved one’s needs.
But it’s important to remember that this anxiety is normal, and in most cases, it fades quickly. Home care professionals are just that—professionals. They’re trained to blend into your home environment in a way that’s supportive but never intrusive. Over time, many families find these caregivers to be compassionate allies, offering not only expert care but also a sense of calm and reassurance.
In my family’s case, we had some preparation for the transition to home care. My mom, Heather, was a nurse, so she understood exactly what home care workers do. As her care needs increased, my sister and father received training when my mom’s port was placed, as she began receiving all her medications through it. This hands-on involvement allowed them to be more connected to her care and feel better prepared for what was to come. My sister administered my mom’s medications, and my dad cared for her right up until the final hours before her passing.
This experience brought them closer to my mom, giving them a way to take care of her in an active and meaningful way. While not everyone will have the same opportunity, leaning into the expertise of home care professionals and finding ways to stay involved in caregiving can create a sense of teamwork and connection during an otherwise difficult time. Building a strong relationship starts with clear communication and trust. In time, you may find that your care team feels less like strangers and more like essential members of your support system.
Self-Care 💜 Tips for Caregivers
Caring for someone with pancreatic cancer can be physically and emotionally exhausting, which is why self-care is so important. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for staying strong and emotionally resilient so you can provide the best care for your loved one.
When we were caregiving, we all took breaks—even if it was just for a couple of hours to reconnect with a friend, watch something funny, or grab a meal. You can’t be “on” 100% of the time. If you’re running on empty, it shows, and the last thing your loved one needs is a caregiver who’s burnt out or stressed. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure to step away when you need to recharge. Taking those small breaks makes a big difference in how you show up for your loved one.
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Project Purple has a great tip article specific to caring for people living with pancreatic cancer.
We also have a dedicated section for self-care topics, offering tips and resources to help you prioritize your well-being during this journey.
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