Families Under Care – Comprehensive Support in Coping with Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in Brazil, affecting not only the patient but the entire family unit. The diagnosis generates emotional, social, and economic impacts, demanding a support network that often does not exist.
The absence of legal and social guidance makes it difficult to access basic rights, while the emotional burden harms both patients and family members, potentially compromising adherence to the treatment.
The Families Under Care project seeks to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive support to families, strengthening bonds, and expanding the social protection network, in compliance with the principles of the SUS (Unified Health System), the National Oncology Care Policy, and the Cancer Patient Statute (Law No. 14,238/2021)[cite: 6].
Project Objective:
To promote comprehensive support to the families of oncological patients through psychological welcoming initiatives, social guidance, and educational activities, strengthening their quality of life and the collective approach to coping with the disease[cite: 6].
Key Scope of Action:
- Offer individual and group psychological support to patients and family members[cite: 6].
- Develop discussion groups and thematic workshops on caregiving, nutrition, and self-care[cite: 6].
- Ensure legal and social guidance to access benefits and rights provided by law[cite: 6].
- Create a welcoming space for children and adolescents who are sons and daughters of patients[cite: 6].
- Promote cultural and integration events that strengthen family bonds[cite: 6].
Target Audience
- Oncological patients undergoing treatment[cite: 6].
- Direct relatives (spouses, children, parents, and caregivers)[cite: 6].
- Families facing situations of social vulnerability[cite: 6].
Methodology
The project will be executed across four main pillars[cite: 6]:
- Psychological Support: individual and group sessions led by specialized professionals[cite: 6].
- Social and Legal Support: guidance on social security benefits, labor rights, and public policies[cite: 6].
- Education and Self-Care: practical workshops (nutrition, palliative care, crafts)[cite: 6].
- Family Welcoming: recreational space for children and monthly integration gatherings[cite: 6].
Structure and Infrastructure
Physical Space: Set up a rehabilitation center with adequate space for medical consultations, individual and group therapy sessions, as well as recreational and educational activities[cite: 6]. The facility must feature individual assistance rooms, group therapy rooms, a cafeteria, and outdoor areas for open-air activities, among others[cite: 6].
Equipment and Materials: Invest in comfortable furniture, educational materials, hygiene kits, office supplies, and audiovisual resources[cite: 6].
Human Resources
The project team must consist of professionals specialized across multiple fields[cite: 6]:
- Psychologists and psychiatrists for psychological support and specialized medical treatment[cite: 6].
- Social workers to guide and counsel families[cite: 6].
- An administrative and resource management team[cite: 6].