Home Care for Cancer Patients 

A cancer diagnosis changes everything. The physical effects of cancer treatment, combined with the emotional weight of the diagnosis, can make daily life overwhelming for both the person with cancer and their family. 

At Dovida, we provide compassionate, flexible cancer home care services across Australia. Our approach centres on dignity, comfort, and supporting you to remain in the familiar surroundings of your own home. We work alongside you, your family, and your healthcare team to provide the practical support, medical care, and emotional reassurance you need. 

Contact us today for a free consultation – no pressure, no commitment. 

Who We Help 

Individuals Living with Cancer 

We support adults aged 60 or over living with all types of cancer – whether you’re recovering from surgery, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, managing side effects, or living with a chronic cancer-related condition. Our home care for cancer patients helps you remain at home for as long as possible, surrounded by comfort and familiarity. 

Families and Carers Supporting a Loved One 

Cancer affects the whole family. Spouses and adult children often become primary caregivers whilst balancing work and other responsibilities, leading to physical exhaustion and emotional strain. If you’re experiencing caregiver burnout or need flexible in-home respite care, we’re here to support you. 

What Our Cancer Home Care Services Include 

Personal and Daily Living Support 

Our caregivers provide compassionate in-home personal care including assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, always with dignity and respect. We also support with meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, and laundry. When treatment causes fatigue, nausea, and other side effects, our practical support allows you to focus your energy on recovery and time with loved ones. 

Medical and Clinical Care 

We work with your healthcare team to provide coordinated support including medication reminders and symptom monitoring, post-treatment care following surgery or chemotherapy, support with wound care, pain management, and mobility, and coordination with doctors, oncologists, and community nurses. We observe and communicate any changes to your medical team and family. 

Emotional and Companionship Support 

Living with cancer can be isolating. Our caregivers provide genuine companionship, emotional reassurance, and a listening presence to help reduce anxiety, fear, and loneliness. 

Transport Assistance 

We provide reliable, safe transport to medical appointments and treatment sessions, help navigating hospitals and clinics, and accompaniment to reduce stress during visits. 

Why Choose Dovida 

Our Circle of Care Model 

Our collaborative approach involves you, your family, your doctors, and our caregivers working together as a united team. You remain at the centre of every decision. We build support around your needs, preferences, and goals, adapting as circumstances change. 

Matched and Consistent Carers 

We match you with the same familiar caregivers for every visit. Seeing the same faces builds trust and continuity in care. Our caregivers are matched based on personality, cultural background, and communication style to ensure you feel comfortable and understood. 

Live-in, Overnight, and 24-Hour Care Options 

For families needing comprehensive support, we offer overnight care, live-in care, and 24-hour home care. These flexible options suit advanced illness, night-time needs, or situations requiring intensive support. 

Support for Families and Primary Carers 

Respite and Managing Burnout 

Family caregivers need rest too. We provide respite care for a few hours each week, regular planned breaks, or occasional support during demanding times. Many carers delay seeking help from guilt or fear of failing their loved one. Physical tiredness, emotional strain, feelings of resentment, or difficulty sleeping are signs you need support. Caregiver burnout is a legitimate reason to seek help – taking care of yourself protects both your wellbeing and your ability to be there for your loved one. 

Bereavement Support 

Our support continues following end of life situations, providing gentle guidance through the emotional aftermath of loss. 

Palliative and End of Life Care at Home 

Understanding the Difference 

Palliative care can begin at any point after a life-limiting illness diagnosis. It improves quality of life by managing symptoms and addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It can be provided alongside curative treatments like chemotherapy – not just for final stages. 

End of life care refers specifically to the final months, weeks, or days when someone is approaching death. Care focuses on comfort, dignity, and ensuring wishes are respected. 

Understanding this distinction helps you access the right support at the right time, avoiding crisis-driven decisions. 

Staying at Home 

Research shows 90% of Australians wish to die at home, but only 14% actually do. At Dovida, we help make home-based end of life care a reality. We enable people with advanced cancer to remain in their homes during final stages, providing comfort-focused care that manages symptoms and maintains quality of life. 

We support the whole family with guidance through difficult decisions, night and day presence during times of need, and coordination with palliative care teams and health professionals. Our goal is ensuring comfort, dignity, and peace, allowing you to focus on meaningful moments with loved ones. 

Help with Funding and Government Support 

What Support Is Available? 

For people over 65: Support at Home program may provide subsidised aged care services. The End-of-Life Pathway specifically supports people in final stages. 

For people under 65: NDIS may provide funding if you have long-term disability from cancer affecting daily life. For example, if you’re experiencing cancer-related fatigue, mobility issues, or cognitive changes impacting independence, you may qualify. 

Other support: Charitable organisations like Cancer Council may offer grants or assistance programs. 

Private funding: Available immediately with no means testing. Often used whilst waiting for funding approval or to top up government services. 

How We Help You Access It 

We assist with navigating applications and understanding eligibility, provide ongoing support managing care packages, and offer flexible services aligned with your funding or budget. You don’t need everything sorted before reaching out – we guide you through the options. 

How to Get Started with Dovida 

Step 1: Contact Dovida – Call 1300 008 018 or request a callback. 

Step 2: Free consultation – We’ll understand your needs, preferences, and goals. 

Step 3: Personalised care plan – Tailored to your individual circumstances. 

Step 4: Care begins – Often within 24–48 hours. 

No long-term commitment required. We adapt our support as your needs change. 

Contact Us – Ready to Get Started? 

Call us today on 1300 008 018 or email care@dovida.com.au to start a conversation about cancer care at home. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is home care for cancer patients covered by Medicare or the government? 

 Medicare doesn’t cover in-home care, but Support at Home (over 65) or NDIS (under 65) may help with costs. Private care is available immediately. We can help you understand funding options. 

How soon can I get a carer? 

 Private care often begins within 24–48 hours. Government-subsidised services depend on assessments and approvals, but we can provide immediate private care whilst you wait. 

What types of cancer do you support? 

 All types at all stages – from diagnosis and active treatment through recovery, long-term management, palliative care, and end of life care. 

Can I get overnight or live-in cancer care? 

 Yes. We offer overnight care, live-in care, and 24-hour support for families needing comprehensive assistance. 

Do you offer palliative or hospice support? 

 Yes. Our caregivers are specially trained in palliative care and end of life support, working alongside palliative care teams and health professionals. 

Can I still choose my own doctor? 

 Absolutely. We work alongside your existing healthcare team. Our Circle of Care model is collaborative, not replacement. You remain in control of all medical decisions. 

What if I only need short-term help after chemo? 

 We provide flexible, short-term support with no long-term commitments – ideal for support during recovery periods or difficult treatment phases.