How to manage being a caregiver with cancer
When you receive a cancer diagnosis, you might already be a caregiver to someone else (perhaps an aging parent, a young child, a spouse, or another loved one). Or, what if you receive a diagnosis and don’t have anybody to be a caregiver to you? Now you’re both the patient AND the caregiver.
Balancing all the responsibilities can take a toll on you physically, emotionally, and even financially. Finding the proper help and support during this time is essential so you can focus on your own health. In this blog, we’ll go over four tips that can help you navigate your cancer and role of a caregiver.
1) Ask for help
You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. Although you may be used to doing everything yourself, it’s important to reach out to the people you trust for support. If you’re the caregiver to an aging parent, for example, do you have another adult sibling or siblings who can step in to provide support where you can’t?
2) Build your own support system
Rely on shared calendars, collaborative whiteboards, or have weekly calls to delegate tasks to prioritize your own appointments and health. Consider talking to a therapist regularly, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need an outside perspective. A therapist can also provide you with effective tools to help you manage the complex emotions that you’re experiencing.
The social services department at your hospital is a good resource and can refer you to someone who can help. If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, call the 988 crisis hotline to speak with someone immediately.
3) Don’t take on everything yourself
It’s impossible to take on all the responsibilities when you’re navigating the care of elderly parents and kids on top of a cancer diagnosis. Look into the possibility of respite care, where a caregiver comes to your home (or your loved one’s home) and serves as a companion while you take the time to take a short-term break.
Often, local civic groups or community organizations can offer respite care a few days a week, you just need to set your own limits and then take the time to reach out and find the right person to help you –and everyone you’re helping, too. You can even consider getting respite care for yourself.
4) Keep communication open
Be honest with your loved ones about what’s going on. Keeping communication open is crucial in managing the complexities of caregiving while managing your own health. Check in regularly with family members, healthcare providers, and support networks to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Clear and honest communication also helps in setting boundaries and expressing your own needs, which is essential for maintaining your well-being.
For additional support, explore the online resources from the American Cancer Society for caregivers.
If you have questions about your own care or would like to learn more, you can connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
