Support Available to Patients and Their Loved Ones

There are many resources and options that are available to patients and loved ones of patients who are battling mesothelioma. A mixture and combination of financial assistance and help from different cancer organizations can help those facing mesothelioma stay positively focused on treatment and recovery.

Financial Support

One of the biggest reasons patients hesitate when finding treatments that have the potential to extend and possibly save their lives is money. Not only do they worry about the cost of the treatment, they also have to consider the cost of traveling to the facility where the treatment will be conducted, the expense of a hospital stay, and how they’re going to finance in home care following curative mesothelioma surgery.

Before rejecting treatment on the grounds of expense, you need to contact organizations that have the resources to help individuals in need of financial assistance. Many clinical trials will also work to cover the expenses of participants.

There are many financial resources available to both mesothelioma patients and their families that you should be aware of.

Legal Compensation

Legal claims help patients suffering from mesothelioma receive compensation from the companies that may be responsible for their asbestos exposure. Billions of dollars have been set aside in trust funds for patients to claim when they are affected.

Veteran Benefits

Approximately one-third of all patients suffering from mesothelioma are veterans. These patients are eligible for disability and/or pension compensation through the VA. The VA also provides caregiver support and benefits for dependents and their loved ones.

Government Programs

Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other assistance programs are available for patients suffering from Mesothelioma. These programs also provide assistance to senior citizens, those with low incomes, and people with disabilities.

Flights and Travel

There are organizations that will provide free flights to both patients and their loved ones. The same resources can also help find housing at a reduced rate for family members so they can stay close during the treatment and recovery.

Corporate Angel Network

Corporate Angel Network provides free flights to cancer patients who need transportation across the country. This is a great network who is here when you need it the most.

Angel Flights, Inc

Angel Flights was founded by pilots who wanted to volunteer service for patients in need. They provide flights to the midwest and are supported through grants or private funding through pilots or other special interest groups.

Housing and Lodging Options

Fisher House Foundations

This foundation helps find housing for the loved ones of veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Assistance at Cancer Centers

Most cancer centers in the United States provide some sort of housing situation that’s set specifically a home for individuals who have to travel from out of state for their cancer treatments. Although each house is different, most cancer centers provide their temporary residents with a comfortable living area that includes things such as kitchens, shared living rooms, and laundry facilities. Staying at these homes is generally more economical than staying at a hotel.

Counseling and Support

Support Groups

Support groups can connect both patients and caregivers with others who are in the same situation. These groups help the patients realize that they’re not alone, and often helps trigger a positive attitude needed for a successful treatment. Support can be found in person, on the phone, or online. Examples of outstanding support groups include Miles for Meso and Relay for Life.

Counseling Services

Counseling services are sometimes put together by hospitals and third-party support programs. Professional counselors speak to the patients and help them cope with the various issues that inevitably occur after their diagnosis. Many of the counselors are available to the patients 24/7.

Hospice Care

Hospice is something patients and their loved ones need to consider when it’s apparent they aren’t going to defeat their mesothelioma diagnosis. Hospice care not only provides pain management and extensive care, it also provides some much-needed counseling to the patient and their loved ones.