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Palliative cancer care - general issues - Management
How should I assess the person's social needs?

  • Assessment of the person's social needs should be repeated at key points during the course of the illness, including:
    • At the time of diagnosis.
    • Around treatment episodes.
    • As treatments end.
    • At the time of a relapse.
    • When death is approaching.
Clarification / Additional information
  • Needs for social support should be elicited as part of routine assessment, ideally including social care professionals.
  • Social care and support needs include:
    • Emotional support.
    • Help with personal care (e.g. bathing and dressing).
    • Advice on work and employment issues and help with benefit claims.
    • Help with housework and shopping.
    • Practical aids (e.g. wheelchairs).
    • Help caring for dependents (e.g. children or elderly relatives).
  • The person and their carers should be offered informed professional assistance to obtain benefits for which they are eligible.
  • Support may be provided by family and friends.
  • Local authorities, NHS, or voluntary organizations may provide respite or day care, support groups, volunteer visitors, assisted transport, and bereavement care.
  • Be aware that assessment of need can be difficult because some people and their carers may be reluctant to ask for help.

[NICE, 2004]

Basis for recommendation
  • This recommendation is based on guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [NICE, 2004].

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