RESTORE program (SA) | GenesisCare AU

Integrative Cancer Care
RESTORE program (SA)

The RESTORE program

The RESTORE program is a cancer wellness initiative designed to introduce patients and their families to evidence-based supportive care services that complement medical treatment. Supported by the Mary Potter Foundation, the program is offered at no cost and is available to all GenesisCare Medical Oncology patients in South Australia.

Supportive care is not a substitute for standard cancer treatment, but when used alongside it, there is evidence that it may help improve psychological health, reduce symptoms and side effects, enhance quality of life, support body image and relationships, and possibly survival.¹

The RESTORE Program seeks to empower participants by providing education and resources around diet, exercise, psychological wellbeing, and more, aiming to restore quality of life during treatment and beyond..

What is included?

The RESTORE Program has two core components, with additional supportive services available through referral.

Educational workshops

These workshops provide practical guidance to help patients manage the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.

RESTORE workshops are one-day sessions that are run four times a year. All GenesisCare Medical Oncology patients are welcome to attend (and may attend multiple times). New patients will automatically receive an email invitation for the next available workshop.

Each session covers key areas that support recovery and wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.

Topics include:

Psychological care: understanding emotional responses to cancer, stress management, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness.
Physical care: the role of nutrition and exercise in recovery, and information on integrative therapies such as massage.
Practical support: guidance on financial and estate planning, navigating social services (e.g. Centrelink), and accessing community resources.

Workshops also provide time for informal discussion and connection over coffee or lunch, giving participants the chance to share experiences with others.

Massage therapy sessions

As part of the RESTORE Program, patients may also access supportive massage therapy designed to help with relaxation, stress reduction and overall wellbeing during treatment.

Participants are eligible to receive free massage sessions in the chemotherapy day centres at Kimberley House and the Playford Health Hub. Therapists are on site during the following times*.

Playford Health Hub
Tuesday – Friday
9:00am – 1:00pm
Contact: (08) 8463 2500

Kimberley House
Monday – Friday
10:00am – 12:00pm
Contact: (08) 8463 2500

*Timings are approximate may vary slightly week to week.

Additional support services

Patients may also be referred to a range of supportive care services that help manage the physical, emotional and practical impacts of cancer.

Additional supportive services are available to patients via referral.

These include:

Exercise physiology
Psychology/counselling
Sexual health
Nutrition
Financial and estate planning

Patients can speak to their oncologist and care team to determine which services are suitable and arrange a referral. Please note that a cost may be involved for certain services outside the program.

How to access the program

The RESTORE Program is open to all patients receiving Medical Oncology treatment and their families. Participation is free, and workshop attendance is optional. To register or find upcoming workshop dates, patients can speak with their care team or contact the program coordinator directly.

To register or learn about upcoming workshop dates, patients can speak with their care team or contact the program coordinator directly.

For more information

Please contact Kimberley House reception to enquire about the next workshop dates.

(08) 8463 2500

With grattitude

We are grateful to the Mary Potter Foundation for generously funding the RESTORE program.

References

Cancer Council Australia. (n.d.). Support and supportive care. Retrieved January 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancercareguides/support-and-care

Disclaimer:

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.

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