Living as an independent person is important to many young people but it may be very challenging to keep up your spirits and continue to be positive if you are living alone with a blood cancer.  You may be someone who normally appreciates your independence, however being unwell may make you feel lonely and isolated.  The possibility of having to sacrifice your current living situation on top of the diagnosis of a blood cancer is all very overwhelming.  There are aspects of living with a blood cancer that can make it difficult to manage normal activities of daily living, such as grocery shopping and cleaning. Some young adults may feel comfortable with temporarily moving home with family and friends whilst they undergo treatment for their blood cancer.  For many young adults this is simply not an option, and for those individuals there is support available to help them through this time and remain living independently.

If you are living alone it is important that you put together a list in a prominent place in your home of emergency contacts for if you do unexpectedly become unwell. lt is important to let friends/family/neighbours know about what could happen so if you call them in an emergency, they will know what to do and who to call, e.g. you may have a high temperature.  Your treating centre will also give you a list of 24 hour emergency contact numbers to use in such circumstances.

Family and friends who care about you may want to help in any way they can, and it is sometimes difficult to accept this help when you have previously lived so independently.  Some family and friends may find it difficult to talk openly about your blood cancer, but would be happy to help in more practical ways, such as doing your shopping or helping with your house cleaning and transporting you to doctors’ appointments.  Accepting support offered may make living alone easier, and therefore enable you to retain your independence.

Your treating team and Social Worker can let you know about help and support that is available and can arrange these services for you.  Some local councils or shires provide a full range of services, and others may be limited.  Examples of the services that local councils provide include the following:

• meals on wheels
• home cleaning, home maintenance
• day care for adults & children
• pet walking & grooming
• volunteer visitors
• respite care
• library services

If necessary, please contact the hospital where you received your medical treatment to obtain information regarding home nursing services.  Some hospitals have home nursing services for former inpatients, whilst others will refer you to a home nursing service in your area.  Many pathology centres provide a home collection service for patients that are unable to attend a collection centre due to their illness.  This maybe arranged through your local pathology centre.

Remember to ask about potential fees and charges associated with the services listed above when you contact them.

Although you may want to stay independent for as long as possible, remember that it is okay to ask for help when you need it. Being independent is about finding the right balance between acknowledging when you need support and looking after yourself.