Maimonides—supporting you and your family

Patients and families coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment can face tremendous stress. Distress from cancer frequently impacts a person at many points along their journey starting from diagnosis and continuing through treatment, as well as into the time of survivorship post-treatment.

At Maimonides Cancer Center, our team of expert cancer specialists works collectively to help patients and families as they cope with challenges caused by cancer. We help provide information to promote cancer awareness and prevention, treatment options, clinical trials, and new developments. We also help you navigate issues such as practical concerns and management of symptoms, and connect you and your loved ones to a variety of resources, such as support groups and wellness programs.

Psychiatry

Patients can be referred for specialty assessment and management of the psychological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral problems that arise in association with cancer. A psychiatrist is available with expertise in treating psychiatric problems in patients with cancer. Evaluation and follow up for medication management is available to address symptoms including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, concentration, and memory problems.

Psychology

Referrals are available to the psychologist for individual, family, and couples counseling. The psychologist can assist patients of all ages in coping with a variety of stressors related to their diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy, and supportive and insight-oriented therapy tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Social Work

Oncology social workers help empower patients and families through all phases of the cancer journey. They help patients access information to understand their diagnosis and treatments as well as offer support in coping with the disease and the many emotions that may arise with a cancer diagnosis.

• Practical Issues
  • Accessing affordable medical care
  • Connecting to legal services for the on-site attorney (NYLAG)
  • Finding medical supplies and medical equipment
  • Getting post-mastectomy bras and prostheses, wigs, lymphedema sleeves
  • Assisting applications to programs offering financial and practical assistance
  • Referrals for home care and hospice care
  • Finding available transportation assistance
  • Providing information on government entitlements, social security benefits, disability benefits, and insurance coverage
• Emotional and Educational Support
  • Providing psychoeducation and supportive counseling related to adjustment after diagnosis
  • Facilitating effective communication with treatment team members
  • Long-term planning with use of advanced directives
  • Accessing support groups and wellness programs
  • Caregiver support

Nutrition

Nutrition is an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. The Maimonides Cancer Center offers a nutrition program that provides patients with proper guidance on how to appropriately nourish their bodies before, during and after treatment. The program works toward this goal by providing early nutrition intervention and identifying problems that affect the success of anticancer therapy. Finding and treating nutrition problems early can help patients gain or maintain weight, sustain energy and strength, lessen side effects from treatment, improve the response to cancer therapy and reduce complications of treatment.

One-on-One Nutrition Counseling

Approximately 65 to 70 percent of oncology patients suffer from malnutrition which can hinder a patient’s ability to heal and recover from cancer in significant ways. Our oncology team refers patients who are at risk for poor nutrition to a registered dietitian who provides private nutrition counseling, tailored to meet the treatment needs of each patient.

Nutrition counseling can provide oncology patients with information to:

• Aid in post-treatment recovery
• Aid in weight control
• Clarify confusing health claims
• Maintain strength and energy
• Manage the interactions between certain foods and certain drugs
• Prevent or treat malnutrition which can cause weakness, and decrease resistance to infections
• Promote food safety for patients with decreased immunity
• Reduce the side effects of treatment which can interfere with eating

Nutrition Education

Since good nutrition shouldn’t end when treatment does, our dietitian also provides counseling tailored to the needs of cancer survivors. A healthy diet and lifestyle are key factors in optimizing our health. Our dietitian provides guidance on food quality, balance of nutrients, healthy relationship with food, and good eating habits that assist patients with cancer prevention and healthy survivorship.

Seasonal recipes are available in all public areas for patients to take home to try and enjoy with their loved ones.

Palliative Care

Patients can be referred to a palliative care specialist for the management of symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment.
Our Supportive Care team works closely with patients and families at every stage of the cancer journey, and partners with the Maimonides Cancer Center supportive services team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and registered dietitians. We collaborate proactively with your primary care team and focus on improving quality of life by managing symptoms such as nausea, pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and depression.

Hospice is an integrated, specialized palliative care program, specifically for patients who are approaching the end of their life. Most hospice care is provided to the patient in their own home and is focused on helping patients live fully and with the best quality of life during this time.

Additional Services

Meet Our Team