During treatment and recovery, patients may require special services such as counseling, homecare, meal delivery or financial assistance. Our staff of social service professionals makes certain that each patient’s particular needs are addressed.

Emotional Support

Often the feelings associated with cancer are as demanding as the physical symptoms. Albert Einstein Cancer Center offers help through counseling, workshops, events, support groups and educational programs. Oncology social workers assess the needs of all new cancer patients and their loved ones. Social workers are clinically trained to provide counseling to patients and their families and may also arrange special services and make appropriate referrals, as required. Individual and family consultations are also available to address patient needs during and after treatment. Whether you have concerns about financial assistance, community resources, or how to speak with young children about cancer, we are here to help.

Oncology Social Workers and Clinical Nurse Specialists run several support groups and programs, including a general patient/family support group and disease-specific support groups for breast, prostate, leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma patients.

These meetings help patients and families cope by providing useful information along with the shared experiences and support of the group.

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Nutrition Counseling

There are many benefits of good nutrition, especially for people being treated for cancer. A healthy diet can help you feel better, give you strength and energy, reduce treatment-related side effects, and help you heal and recover as quickly as possible. At Albert Einstein Cancer Center, a Registered Dietician is available to speak with you during radiation or chemotherapy treatments. If you are an Einstein patient and have concerns about weight loss, poor appetite or side effects that interfere with optimal nutrition, call Laura Lichert, RD, at (215) 456-6648 and leave your name and number. She will return your call as soon as possible.

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Cancer Rehabilitation – MossRehab

Sometimes, long-term or extensive cancer treatment results in deconditioning or other physical changes. MossRehab, a nationally recognized rehabilitation hospital, provides this area’s only cancer rehabilitation program. MossRehab’s program helps our patients regain strength, overcome pain and improve function. Its comprehensive service includes:

• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Support groups
• Exercise classes
• Psychological counseling
• Vocational counseling

Impairments and symptoms (associated with cancer and its treatment) that are addressed include:

• Limb or spinal pain
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Decreased balance
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia

Temporary or permanent disabilities that are managed include decreased mobility, self-care and vocational or avocational dysfunction.

Medication, therapeutic exercise, modalities and braces are used. The program also utilizes complementary/alternative approaches including:

• Movement therapy
• Yoga
• Nutritional education
• Meditation

For more information, please call 1-800-EINSTEIN.

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Symptom/Pain Management

We offer patients various ways to help cope with their illness. One of the most tangible is through pain management. Our Pain Management Program provides a number of pain-reducing options, including drugs that block the nervous system’s ability to transmit pain. For more information about pain management, please call 1-800-EINSTEIN or speak with one of our oncologists.

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Hospice and Palliative Care

Patients with very advanced cancer also have special needs. With the help of our Hospice and Palliative Care Program, these patients can receive care that allows them to live comfortably at home. Our goal is to help patients spend their remaining days in the comfort of their homes, and in the company of their families. Specially trained physicians, nurses, social workers and spiritual counselors help seriously ill patients maintain a good quality of life. They also support family members, helping them to cope with the emotional, physical and caretaking demands of having a seriously ill family member. Our hospice team offers psychological and spiritual counseling and includes a physician, nurse, social worker and counselor or chaplain.

The Hospice Program offices are located at the Germantown Community Health Services campus. Contact (215) 951-8263 for more information.

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Resource Center

Patients and their families are invited to use the Resource Center located in the Cancer Center reception area. The Resource Center is equipped with a computer with CD ROM and Internet access, a VCR, informational literature in English and Spanish, and a lending library of books and videotapes. We invite you to take advantage of this center. It’s our way of helping you have the information you need to participate as an active member of the healthcare team and share in important decisions about your are. Call Anne Waldman, MSN, RNC, AOCN (215) 456-3822 for more information.

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