Patient & Family Support
Additional resources for you and your family
At Aspirus St. Luke's, an extensive network of resources is available to those who are dealing with cancer. If there's anything concerning you right now, we may be able to help.
Social Services
Our social workers meet with each newly diagnosed patient on the day of
their initial consultation. From then on, we can be a constant presence
to help connect patients and families with all the resources they need.
Our services include:
- Assistance with applications for medication programs and other financial programs
- Exploring lodging options
- Food resources
- Assistance with transportation
- Assistance with paperwork for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), disability and short-term disability programs
- Referrals to home care, palliative care and hospice services
- Assistance with interpretive services
Cancer Support Groups
We encourage patients and family members to check out the free cancer support
groups at Aspirus St. Luke's. These are facilitated by team members of St.
Luke’s Regional Cancer Center. Many former patients continue to
participate in support groups long after treatment, reporting that they
find it tremendously healing and personally satisfying to offer hope to
newly diagnosed cancer patients.
- Breast Cancer Support Group: For women diagnosed with breast cancer. Provides a safe environment for women to share their feelings and experiences. Opportunity to receive support as well as to extend support to other women. This is held the first Monday of every month in the lobby of Aspirus St. Luke's Regional Cancer Center.
- Cancer Care Support Group: For people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones. Provides a safe environment for participants to share their feelings and experiences, and the opportunity to receive as well as provide support. This is held the first Tuesday of every month in the Lakeview Building 4th floor conference room.
- Gentle Yoga: For all Aspirus St. Luke's patients (not just cancer patients) and their families. Instructor guides participants through slow, gentle movements and poses, with an emphasis on breathing and listening to the body. Includes time for relaxation and guided meditation.
Educational Resources
Our staff is always here to provide support and answer your questions.
In addition, we have compiled a list of trusted sources to provide you
with additional information about the various aspects of cancer treatment.
Aspirus St. Luke's Cancer Survivorship Lecture Series:
- Enhancing Quality of Life After Treatment: Part 1 and Part 2
- Hope and Healing
Here are links to valuable educational resources:
- American Cancer Society®
- National Cancer Institute
- CaringBridge
- National Hospice Palliative Care Organization
- Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups
- U.S. National Institute of Health - Clinical Trials
Community Resources
These are local resource. Talk to our social workers for more resources!
- AgeWell Arrowhead
- Lutheran Social Services
- Aging Disability Resource Center, Douglas County
- Senior LinkAge Line
- Benedictine Adult Day Services
- St. Louis County Health and Human Services
- ElderCircle
- Twin Ports Veterans Administration Clinic
Mental Health and Support
-
National Crisis Hotline
Call 988 to get connected with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. -
The Birch Tree Center
Call 218.623.1800. -
American Cancer Society 24/7 Cancer Helpline
Call 1.800.227.2345.
For more information, call Aspirus St. Luke's Regional Cancer Center at 218.249.3081.