Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, survivorship or palliation, we can help. Our role is to provide information, connect you to services to manage your health and well-being and find practical solutions whilst navigating your diagnosis and chosen treatment pathway.
We understand that a diagnosis of cancer can alter many areas of your life. The impact can affect people differently and there are many clinical interventions and evidence-based therapies that we can assist with. Activities at the COUCH Wellness Centre focus on support and education to help reduce anxiety, stress and improve quality of life.
The COUCH Wellness Centre focuses on four pillars of care with the aim to support, empower and promote informed choice for our clients. We understand that people living with cancer require timely access to care and at the COUCH Wellness Centre, our nurses and clinical support staff are here to help.
Talk with us about how we can support you.
We have time to listen and help you unpack all the information about your individual cancer treatment and care pathway. Our holistic approach to care assists you with making informed decisions about your treatment, health, well-being and how to best manage any effects from treatment. We can work directly with your treating and medical team before, during and after treatment to enable a multi-disciplinary approach to your care.
At Diagnosis
Together with yourself and your medical team, we can identify your current and potential needs to put in place supportive and practical care, plus provide information to enable informed choice.
During Treatment
Ongoing review of treatment impacts, lifestyle adjustments and social/emotional needs to support health and well-being during treatment.
Survivorship
Continuous supportive care to empower the ‘new normal’ through practical, solution focussed, self-directed activities.
Palliative
Assistance with care coordination to navigate community services whilst providing support in grief, loss and bereavement for yourself and family.
Have you or a loved one recently received a diagnosis of cancer? Unsure about what this all may mean?
We can help you understand and navigate the systems you may need throughout your chosen pathway of care. Our cancer care nurses can assist with answering your questions, providing evidence-based information to enhance your knowledge, connect you with supportive services and discuss options to assist with your health and well-being.
If you are waiting for your treatment to commence, we can talk with you about what you may experience and provide practical solutions to help during this phase of care. Our team of experts, know and understand many of the challenges you may face. We can help navigate your care with your medical treating team and support you along the way. We believe informed choice is one of the greatest forms of empowerment and we are here to assist you to manage your healthcare and lifestyle needs.
Building your supportive health professional team prior to starting treatment ensures everyone is working together to provide the best outcomes for you. Research shows this approach improves survival and quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer. We will help navigate this uncertain space with you and create a health and well-being plan that works for you and your family.
If your care pathway does not include treatment, there are many ways we can provide support. Everyone’s pathway with cancer is different and we value the individual’s right to make their own choices. Talk with us about supportive services to assist with managing your quality of life.
Whilst undergoing treatment for cancer, research recommends an integrative approach to your care. Integrative cancer care can be explained as using a combination of medical treatments and complementary therapies to manage your individual symptoms and side effects which may be experienced.
This includes combining Allied Health Services such as Exercise Physiology, Medical Nutrition Therapy (Dietetics), Physiotherapy, Psychology and Occupational Therapy with Complementary Therapies which have a strong evidence-base to provide relief and/or manage treatment symptoms.
At the COUCH Wellness Centre, our integrative cancer care is case managed by our nurses, who connect you to both internal and external Allied Health, Complementary Therapies and Lifestyle supports and services to assist with your well-being whilst living with cancer.
Our team follows a multi-disciplinary approach to care, which means all of your health practitioners collaborate together to assist you with managing your chosen treatment pathway. We understand each day, week or month is different for everyone and we individualise a wellness plan specifically for your needs at that point in time. We are flexible, responsive and listen to what you may need. Our team are solution focused and will advise the most up to date evidence in cancer care supports and services.
Finding your ‘new normal’ can for some be a difficult time. Life after cancer treatment can create challenges and differences in both your health and well-being. We are here to assist you to find a balance in managing your ‘new normal’.
Often managing cancer related fatigue, building endurance, dealing with anxiety of recurrence, rebuilding relationships, plus boosting your health and well-being are barriers many people face after treatment. Our team can assist with putting the pieces of the puzzle back together again with you. Our Allied Health and Complementary Therapies continue to be available for up to 5 years post diagnosis, this also includes access to the variety of courses, training programs and group activity sessions available. Once treatment finishes, we are here to support you in your community.
The COUCH Wellness Centre model of care focuses on creating empowerment and self-reliance to improve one’s sense of well-being. We also offer a range of services including support groups, workshops and practical lifestyle supports.
Ensuring you have a supportive team to assist you with maintaining your independence and quality of life when living with a life-limiting or terminal illness is part of the palliative care pathway. In collaboration with your cancer care nurse, the COUCH Wellness Centre can assist with:
supports to manage quality of life, | |
physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural and practical needs, | |
advice to enable informed choice for treatment and ongoing care. |
Our focus is to provide care coordination with your community care supports and GP to enable the best approach to your care at home. We can provide practical and emotional support for your carer and family members including bereavement care.
Person-centred Coordinated Care
Nurse-led Model of Care
Health Management
Allied Health Services
Well-being & Lifestyle
Evidence-based Supports
Education & Advocacy
Health Literacy & Empowerment