Patient Support
At Northwest Health - Porter, we believe supporting our patients is an important part of our care. Cancer treatment often involves numerous specialists, procedures and complementary therapies, and can often be overwhelming. That’s why Northwest Health - Porter's cancer care encompasses a range of support services that address everything from education and care management assistance to spiritual care.
Undergoing cancer treatment can be very overwhelming. At Northwest Health - Porter, we’re committed to walking with our patients every step of the way. We offer a variety of services to assist patients throughout their care, including:
- Patient navigation: Patient navigators are available to assist patients once a cancer diagnosis is received. A cancer diagnosis may cause a person to feel bombarded with a considerable amount of information. Our patients don’t have to navigate the maze alone. The patient navigators can offer guidance by providing personalized assistance and support and also serve as a consistent point of contact and source of information.
- Social worker: Many patients are frightened when they find out they have cancer. The oncology social worker is available to assist the patient and their caregivers with questions and concerns related to their diagnosis. A master’s level social worker specially trained in oncology is available to assist you with coping skills, improving communication and linking you to community resources.
- Spiritual care: A chaplain is available to provide compassionate spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families.
- Support groups: These groups offer education and support for cancer patients at the time of diagnosis, during treatment and beyond.
Patient Navigators
Northwest Health - Porter understands that your well-being and peace of mind are just as important as your physical health. Cancer care patient navigators are here to provide a direct and personal link as they help guide you and your family through your journey to better health.
Patient navigators understand being diagnosed with cancer may be overwhelming, and are committed to providing you with comforting, compassionate care as they help you navigate through the health care system. They are specially trained health professionals who provide education and support, helpful information about hospital services and community resources, and serve as a link between you and your health care team.
Patient navigators help you and your family with:
- Understanding your diagnosis and treatment plan prescribed by your physician
- Communicating with your doctor and health care team
- Identifying questions to ask your health care professional
- Explaining treatment options, surgery preparation, radiation and chemotherapy
- Assisting you in making informed decisions about your care
- Coordinating appointments with medical team members and facilitating communication with physicians
- Helping you schedule follow-up care
- Identifying appropriate social services in your area, including local resources and support groups
- Supporting you and your family throughout the process
We’re Here for You
Patients who have the support of a patient navigator are better able to focus on healing because they’re not left wondering about next steps. More importantly, they take comfort in knowing they’re not alone and that an advocate is there to help guide them every step of the way.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call a patient navigator at (219) 983-6128.
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