Make a real difference in someone's life....
Individual Support for Adults
A diagnosis of cancer can be an overwhelming event that can impact many areas of life. We provide a range of individual psychosocial supports at any point in the cancer journey which we hope will meet your needs. This includes one-to-one psychological therapy, advice and information from our oncology nurses, individualised fitness assessments and recommendations, benefits advice, complementary therapies and more. Booking in advance is required. Please contact us on 091 540040 or at [email protected] or alternatively drop-in to the Support Centre without an appointment from Monday to Friday 9am to 3:30pm for more information.
Nursing Support and Information
The aim of the Nursing Support and Information Service is to provide information, advice and support to cancer patients and their families. This specialised one-to-one input is available in person or over the telephone and aims to support those living with the impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, including coping with treatment related side-effects. This service is provided by oncology nurses with many years of experience in the area.
Psychology and Counselling Service
Our team of psychologists and counsellors provide professional support to help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological impact of cancer and its treatment. They use a range of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy, compassion focused therapy and emotion focused therapy and aim to best support your needs and concerns at any point in the cancer journey.
Physical Rehabilitation and Exercise
This service is available in our specially designed gym run by our exercise physiologist. Input begins with an initial individual fitness assessment and followed by recommendations to best support your needs and goals. From here you can continue on your individualised plan or join group exercise classes which include: gym sessions (an accessible way to get stronger day by day with a focus on resistance training), Smart Yoga classes (to help improve flexibility), Alexander Technique group classes (to help reduce pain and stress and help you to move with more ease and less muscular tension).
Complementary Therapies
Complementary Therapies including reflexology, massage and acupuncture are available for patients in the aim of supporting them to cope with a cancer diagnosis or its treatment.
Reflexology involves applying gentle pressure to the feet or occasionally the hands. It can help patients to feel more relaxed and support their coping.
Massage is a technique that involves stroking, kneading, tapping or pressing the soft tissues of the body. It can support patients by helping them to feel more relaxed and may support their coping with cancer.
Acupuncture involves putting fine needles into the body at particular points; the practitioner leaves the needles in place for a short time before removing them. It can support patients in a number of ways including helping in the management of treatment-related side effects, aches, pain, hot flushes, fatigue, sleep difficulties, psychological distress and can promote relaxation.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialised type of massage for lymphoedema, which helps to reduce swelling. The aim is to redirect fluid away from swollen areas towards healthy lymphatics. Lymphoedema therapy at Cancer Care West covers the four cornerstones of treatment: skincare, exercise, compression and manual lymph drainage.
Drop-in Service
Patients and their family members are welcome to drop-in to the Support Centre at 72 Seamus Quirke Road, Galway between 9am and 3:30pm Monday to Friday. You will be welcomed with a cup of tea or coffee and can speak with one of our oncology nurses who can provide information, advice and tell you more about our services.
Benefits and Advisory Service
A cancer diagnosis can mean financial uncertainty, as many people affected by cancer can face a loss of income along with increased medical expenses. Our Benefits and Advisory Service aims to help you and your family understand what you may be entitled to and to assist you with applying for government supports. Assistance with navigating these services and form filling can be provided. We also provide further support through our advocacy service, such as, assisting with appeals on welfare decisions and/or engaging with a service provider on your behalf.
Brain Tumour Support
An opportunity for those living with a brain tumour or their families to meet, chat and gain support over a cup of tea or coffee.
Prosthesis and Bra Fitting - Almacare
Specialist Aftercare Service and supplier of mastectomy wear. Held at Cancer Care West, this is an appointment only fitting service clinic. Call 01 5240413 for bookings and appointments. See www.almacare.ie