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Caring for a person with cancer may seem complex and too much to cope with at first but with some advice and compassion, it is possible to make a life for you and your loved one that bit easier. Depending on the person’s needs, you may need to provide different types of support. This may include:
- Emotional support
- Help with medical care
- Assistance with financial and insurance issues or serving as the communicator between the patient and the health care team.
Of course, everyone has their care requirements that need to be seriously taken into consideration when caring for them, however, here is some advice if this is your first time caring.
Start by making a list of all your caregiving tasks
Try ordering them by importance. Then, use the list to decide how to divide the tasks between friends, family, professionals, and other volunteers. Learn more about sharing responsibilities.
Be proactive
Take charge and plan as much as possible to prevent last-minute emergencies. This can also help provide a sense of control and order. Create schedules that list which relative, friend, or other volunteer is available when and for what tasks. Make sure that all of the caregivers involved have some time to be away without feeling guilty or concerned. Long-distance caregiving takes even more planning. Find out more about how to be an effective long-distance caregiver.
Be a problem solver
Identify problems, find out what is needed, and follow-through. Do not be afraid to seek advice and help from others. Look for creative solutions that work for you and the person you care for.
Try to stay positive
Having a positive attitude can help set the tone for all that you do. You may not have control of what happens to you, but you can change how you react. To help cope, talk with other members of the caregiving team. You may also wish to talk with friends, religious or spiritual advisors, counsellors, and health care professionals.
Know yourself
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses as a caregiver. This allows you to set boundaries and know when to ask for help. Setting limits can help you and the person you care for. The person you care for can exercise some independence, while you get a break. It is important to recognize when you need a break, so you don’t feel burned out. Learn more about how caregivers can take care of themselves.
Remember, if you’re looking after a loved one with cancer, there are health and social care professionals who can support you.
- A GP – who has overall responsibility for the healthcare of someone who is being cared for at home.
- A key worker – who might be a specialist nurse or social worker. They will be your main point of contact who can answer any questions.
- District and community nurses – who help with nursing tasks at home, such as wound dressings.
- The community specialist palliative care team – who helps control pain or other symptoms as well as offering emotional support.
- An occupational therapist (OT) – who makes sure the person you care for is safe and comfortable at home. They can suggest and arrange minor changes to their home.
- A physiotherapist – who helps the person if they have problems moving around.
- Social workers – who will do a carer’s assessment or community care assessment to see what practical and social help you and the person you care for needs.
Cavendish Homecare is a specialist in Cancer Care and has the expertise to provide treatment for patients in their own homes. If you are currently caring for a loved one but may require some support or some guidance we can help. Speak to us today and see how we may be able to assist with supporting you / or your loved one with a personalised care plan.
