During Your Stay

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What about meals?

Guests and/or their caregivers prepare their own meals in our community kitchen. This kitchen is fully stocked with glasses, dishes, pots and pans, flatware, and small appliances. It is also equipped with microwaves, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers.

Occasionally, volunteer groups and community organizations bring or prepare an evening dinner for our guests. Organized dinners are posted in house on the weekly activity board.


What do I need to bring?

Since Caring House guests are responsible for their own meals, we suggest bringing food. Guests should also be prepared to shop for groceries during their stay. Guests are assigned a locked pantry and have access to three shared refrigerators for food storage. We advise that guests purchase small quantities of food at a time, particularly those items that need to be refrigerated. Guest rooms may not be used for food storage.

Guests should also bring any personal items, such as clothing, toiletries, extra pillows, and other items needed during their stay. There is a set of sheets provided for each bed and one set of towels for each individual staying in the room. Linens and towels can be washed in the laundry room during their stay. Guests are certainly welcome to bring extra towels or sheets.


Is there a cleaning service?

Our common areas (lobby, kitchen, dining room, great room, library, and laundry room) are cleaned daily by our housekeepers. Between guest stays, private rooms are professionally cleaned. Our housekeepers are happy to clean your room during your stay for a $30 fee.

Please see the front desk to be included on the cleaning schedule. Otherwise, each guest is responsible for cleaning their own bedroom and bathroom while at Caring House. Cleaning supplies, vacuums, toilet paper, and garbage bags are all provided for our guests.


What about laundry?

Washers, dryers, and detergent are provided free of charge at Caring House. Guests can use the laundry room to do their personal laundry and to wash their sheets and towels during their stay. Irons are also available for use.


Can my caregiver(s) stay at Caring House if I am admitted to the hospital?

Caring House is aware of the unpredictable nature of cancer treatment, and we try to respond to the needs of our guests accordingly. However, because there is almost always a waiting list for rooms, we do have an “absentee or pause in treatment” policy.

If a guest must unexpectedly be admitted to the hospital during their stay, family members or friends who are staying with the guest may remain at Caring House for up to 10 days. After 10 days, the room will be made available for the next person on our waiting list. When the original occupant is released from the hospital and approved to continue their treatment, Caring House will make every effort to allow them to reserve the next available room.


How do I get to/from Duke Hospital?

Duke Medical Center provides a weekday shuttle service to and from the clinics or hospital.


Is there a place to park my car?

There is a large parking lot at Caring House with enough space for both the patient and their caregiver to park. All cars must be registered upon check-in.


Can I receive mail at Caring House?

Yes! Guests can receive mail during their stay at Caring House.

Letters should be addressed to:
Guest Name and Room Number c/o Caring House
2625 Pickett Road
Durham, NC 27705