Patient and Visitor Information

Resources and Support

While you and your family adjust to a new cancer diagnosis, staff members are committed to helping you understand and manage your cancer treatments. We are pleased to offer individualized and personal support.

Cancer Care Nursing Team

Our nursing staff in medical and radiation oncology work hand-in-hand with patients, their families, caregivers, medical staff and the community to assure that an appropriate plan of care is developed and implemented to meet the needs of the patients. The nursing staff works collaboratively to educate patients and schedule medical care. Many of our nurses specialize in oncology (cancer) care and are designated Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN). Your cancer care team also includes medical assistants who work directly with your physicians and nurses.

Education and Cancer Resource Center

Cancer patients and their caregivers have access to educational resources located in the lobby across from registration. If you don’t find what you are looking for, ask a staff member for assistance.

Financial Counselor

The primary role of a financial counselor is to remove barriers and improve access to treatment. Our financial counselor can assist you in answering billing questions and connecting you with various financial resources, including various patient assistance and copayment assistance programs. If you qualify, these programs can offer assistance with copayments and medication costs. You may reach our financial counselor at 231-487-3133.

Integrative Therapies

Integrative therapies are used with cancer treatments to treat the whole patient, which includes mind and body. These therapies place an emphasis on decreasing stress and anxiety and improving one’s general sense of well-being. Integrative therapies which are intermittently available include:

• Pet Therapy
• Survivorship and Wellness Program
• Art Therapy
• CLIMB program for children

For more information, please contact our patient navigators at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey at 231-487-3205 or 231-487-7274, or our social worker at 231-487-4015.

Nutrition Counseling

Your nutritional needs vary depending on your disease, cancer treatment and your metabolism. It is important to know that not everyone has difficulty with nutrition. If you have any questions about nutrition or how to eat during your cancer care, please discuss with your doctor or nurse. They may refer you to our own registered dietitian who can help address your needs.

Oncology Social Worker

Social workers address the psychosocial needs of the patient and their families, advocating during all phases of cancer treatment. They help provide a sense of control, empowerment and understanding. You may reach our social worker at 231-487-4015.

Spiritual and Pastoral Care

A sense of meaning, purpose and connection beyond oneself can help to improve quality of life, and to put problems in perspective. Each person’s spiritual beliefs and experiences are nurtured in different ways. McLaren Northern Michigan has a chaplain available for counsel and spiritual guidance. For more information, call Spiritual Care Services at 231-487-4509

Outpatient Therapies and Rehabilitation at the John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion and Dialysis Center, Petoskey

This facility provides comprehensive, individualized treatments to help patients decrease pain and improve function after injury, surgery or illness. Our rehabilitation program is certified and includes training our staff in the latest oncology rehab care. We implement research based protocols that have been proven to help cancer survivors optimally heal and function. Services include specialists in:

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Lymphedema therapy
• Pelvic floor strengthening
• Fall prevention and strengthening and rehabilitation offering the latest technology in exercise equipment

Location:

The John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion and Dialysis Center
820 Arlington Ave.
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-487-4200