Aim
Regional people with cancer (PWC) often relocate to metropolitan centres for treatment, spending extended periods away from home routines and supports. Greenhill Lodge, near Adelaide CBD, provides supportive accommodation for PWC and caregivers. As lifestyle behaviours influence treatment outcomes, this is an under-examined setting for supportive care opportunities. This study aimed to describe guests' food, movement, sleep and social experiences during stays, and identify unmet needs to inform future service design and research.
Methods
An accommodation exit survey recruited 131 participants (n=105 PWC; n=26 caregivers) over 10 months. Participants completed a retrospective survey on lifestyle areas during their stay. Telephone interviews were conducted with 11 participants (n=10 PWC; n=1 caregiver) for deeper insights. Data were analysed descriptively.
Results
Participants averaged 64 years (SD=10) and were predominantly female (55% PWC; 77% caregivers). Breast (23%) and prostate (22%) cancers were most common; 75% of PWC were undergoing treatment with average stays of 12-15 nights. Guests maintained reasonable food access and sleep quality, but physical activity and social connection emerged as key unmet needs. Food access barriers were rare (<5%) with meals mainly sourced from the on-site restaurant/café (79-81%) or in-room/shared kitchens (69-81%). Sleep quality was similar to home, aided by room comfort, though 23-26% reported poorer sleep due to environmental and treatment-related factors. Most PWC viewed exercise as safe and beneficial (>70%), expressing program interest (70% personalised, 47% yoga, 47% walking), yet many reported reduced activity (46-47%). Social interest was high, particularly for event outings (70-77%). Interviews reflected this, describing a positive, staff-supported community atmosphere, though disconnected guests often relied on external initiation or service linkage.
Conclusion
Physical activity and social connection emerged as key unmet needs despite guests recognising their benefits. Structured exercise, social opportunities, and alternative signposting to existing services may further support guests during stays.