Caregiving for a Loved One With Cancer
Helping You Help the Cancer Patient
As you probably know, caregiving may be a challenging task. A key part of your role is to help identify and address medical symptoms or complications by using the appropriate resources, which means you have to be as informed about the cancer diagnosis and treatment as the patient.
Financial and Legal Resources for Cancer Caregivers
Caregivers may qualify for family leave benefits and disability insurance at the state and federal levels, through the Social Security Administration.
In addition to the extensive resources City of Hope offers directly to caregivers, outside organizations and resources provide valuable services to those entrusted with helping patients through their cancer experience.
Created in 1990, the Cancer Fighters Support Group is a network of cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and loved ones dedicated to supporting others who are fighting cancer. Learning from people who have been where you and your loved ones are may be informative, comforting and empowering as you navigate your own cancer journey.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about your well-being but may also translate into better care for your patient. So set time aside to relax, enjoy fun activities, connect with others and do whatever helps you feel like you’re maintaining your personal balance and recharging your emotional and physical batteries.
If you’re a caregiver, knowing where you are in the seven stages of caregiving may help you better understand where you might need help.
By not realizing how big a burden they’re shouldering, caregivers may not understand the stress they’re under or recognize the anxiety and depression stress may cause.
Understanding your rights to the feelings you’ll likely experience plays a crucial role in coping.
Sometimes, patients diagnosed with cancer may find it hard to ask for help or even talk about their disease.