Along with our patient accommodations, we offer many resources for caregivers. These individuals are family members, partners, or friends who typically provide unpaid, long-term, assistance to patients, and are often a source of emotional support.
At UCSF’s Patient & Family Cancer Support Center, we offer the following resources for caregivers:
Support groups foster a sense of community among people affected by cancer. The PFCSC offers a wide range of such groups, listed below. Some groups require preregistration, so it is important to call before your first meeting.
Oncology social workers are an integral part of the health care team at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Visit the UCSF Health page for more information.
Contact: San Francisco clinics: (415) 353-4762 Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building, 1825 Fourth St. UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center, 400 Parnassus Ave., Fourth and Eighth Floors UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion, 1600 Divisadero St., First Floor, Room B-101
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Berkeley clinic: (510) 420-8000 UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center (at Berkeley Outpatient Center), 3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 430, Berkeley 94702
The Patient & Family Cancer Support Center (PFCSC) is proud to partner with the San Francisco SPCA to host therapy dogs in our space. These certified therapy dogs and volunteers will be on site every second Monday of the month.
For more information on these visits, please dial 415.885.3693.
The Patient & Family Cancer Support Center (PFCSC) Notary is able to provide acknowledgment for patients who have completed Advanced Health Care Directives (AHCD) at no cost.
The Notary's duty is to screen those signing documents for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction. The Notary will also assist caregivers in finding resources regarding an AHCD.
Requirements
- Patient must be a UCSF Cancer Center patient.
- Patient must come to the PFCSC suite at UCSF Mission Bay (exceptions).
- Patient must have a scheduled appointment with PFCSC Notary prior arriving to the
- PFCSC.
- To make an appointment, please email Bernardo Diaz at [email protected] or
- call 415.885.3693
The UCSF Patient and Family Cancer Support Center offers free meditation and guided imagery classes for people with cancer and their caregivers.
In addition, UCSF’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine offers guided imagery and meditation audio recordings that can be streamed online for free or downloaded for a cost.
Location and times
In accordance with COVID-19 precautions, classes are currently held online. Hours: Tuesdays, 1 - 2 p.m. For more information, email or call the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center at (415) 885-3693.
- American Cancer Society
Essential tips for making sure that you take care of yourself as well as the patient - American Brain Tumor Association
Provides caregiving information and support - CanCare
This 1-1 support services are unaffected by the current health risk as most support is provided remotely by phone or email. Support volunteers are matched with clients by cancer type, treatment method, life stage, age, and gender. Support services are now also available through our Phone Support Line: 888-999-6959. Call Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Central, and a cancer survivor or caregiver will respond. - Cancer Hope Network
We know that being a caregiver can be rewarding and fulfilling – and sometimes exhausting. In a world that celebrates the most romanticized of loves – with chocolates and flowers and the occasional unrealistic expectation – we’re taking a look at the realities faced by caregivers and the patients they love. Call 877-HOPENET - Cancer Support Community
Caregivers can get support and information - Caregiver Peer Support
Caregiver Peer Support Program at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center - CANHR - CA Advocates for Nursing Home Reform
Beneficial information on supporting long term care consumers and advocates regarding the rights and remedies under the law, and to create a united voice for long term care reform and humane alternatives to institutionalization. - Elder Care Locator – U.S. Administration on Aging
Helpful information about long-term care planning and available benefits to seniors and the disabled - Employment Development Department State of California – PFL Information
Information regarding California's Paid Family Leave program - Family Caregiver Alliance – National Center on Caregiving
Non-profit agency dedicated to supporting caregivers. Provides support and education as well as information on respite care with educational literature available on various caregiver topics - Help for Cancer Caregivers
This organization offers a personalized self-care web tool for caregivers. Developed by CancerCare, Michigan State, Indiana University, Caregiver Action Network and Wellpoint. Visit - HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
Provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare - Lotsa Helping Hands/ABTA
My Caring Link web tool is a collaboration of the American Brain Tumor Association and Lotsa Helping Hands. This site helps you organize support and assistance among friends and family, on behalf of your loved one. - Medicare's Home Health, Hospice, Durable Medical Equipment and Skilled Nursing Facility Locator
- Needy Meds
This non-profit organization provides listings of available prescription assistance programs. They have a prescription assistance programs database - Support for People with Head, Oral, and Neck Cancers
SPOHNC has over 125 Chapters throughout the United States and continues to grow. Connecting with a local chapter is an invaluable first step in the healing process. Email or call 800-377-0928 - SHARE
Support for Breast or Ovarian, Uterine & Cervical Cancer. In English and Spanish. 866-891-2392 (breast), 866-537-4273 (ovarian) - Sharsheret
Support for Jewish Women with Breast & Ovarian Cancer Caregiver Support. The information and resources listed here are not intended to be an endorsement, nor are the listings all-inclusive. The resources are provided in hopes that they provide direction as you begin your search for support. Please check with the individual agencies for updated information.