Ten Ways to Care for the Caregiver

Cancer is a twenty-four-hour affair. As with other long-term illnesses, you may become emotionally drained as you care for your loved one and worry about the changes that may occur in them. But their well-being depends directly on your well-being. You can take care of yourself by:

• Arrange for planned time away from the task of twenty-four-hour care. Do things just for you!
• Share your challenges: there is a lot of benefit from talking with other individuals who are familiar with the illness and caregiving.
• Avoid isolation, as it may lead to depression. DO NOT cut off ties to non-cancer related activities because "you don't have time." It's okay to go to your book club, church or out to lunch with friends.
• Find additional help in caring for the patient. This may include homecare (visiting nurses/home health aides), to individuals who can help clean the house, shop or take care of family pets.
• Ask your social worker/navigator for help with financial concerns.
• Go to appointments with the person you are caring for. Be assertive in getting the information that you need for the patient. You may wish to bring along a list of questions to ask the provider. Don't leave until you have received understandable answers you feel confident to share with others.
• It's OK to take time off--both with your family and alone. Ask your social worker about resources for respite care and family trips for those coping with cancer.
• Include the patient in daily activities, even if all they can do is watch. Avoiding isolation is just as important for patients.
• Talk with other caregivers in a formal support group setting.
• Don't forget your own health needs: see your healthcare provider and dentist for regularly scheduled appointments.