The outline of this excellent article can be found below. Please read the full article to benefit from the important insights that will both inspire you and help you in your caregiving journey.

Link: If You’re About to Become a Cancer Caregiver 

(Source: The American Cancer Society)

A cancer diagnosis affects close friends and family too. Find out what to expect if you become a caregiver for a person with cancer, and get tips for making sure that you take care of yourself as well.

If You’re About to Become a Cancer Caregiver

Caregiver is defined here as the person who most often helps the person with cancer and is not paid to do so. In most cases, the main (primary) caregiver is a spouse, partner, parent, or an adult child. When family is not around, close friends, co-workers, or neighbors may fill this role. The caregiver has a key role in the patient’s care. Good, reliable caregiver support is crucial to the physical and emotional well-being of people with cancer.

Here are some things to think about if you are about to become a caregiver for a person with cancer. 

Please read the full article here to get the full expanded version. Link: If You’re About to Become a Cancer Caregiver

• What does it feel like to be a caregiver?

• What if you don't want to be the caregiver?

• You’ll need to take care of yourself, too
  
  

  • There are ways to help reduce stress and remind you to enjoy life. They might help prevent a more serious depression that can develop over time:

  • Support from family and friends in caring for the patient

  • Exercise

  • A healthy diet

  • Spiritual support, such as religious activity, prayer, journaling, or meditation

  • Recreational time, when you can enjoy friends socially

  • Help from a trained mental health professional

  • But caregivers often focus on the person with cancer and don’t take care of themselves. You may be a caregiver, but you still have your own needs that cannot and should not be put aside.

• Plan things that you enjoy

• Getting professional help if you think you need it

• Take a break or time for yourself

  • Respite care

• Know what you can’t do

• Finding support for yourself

• Ask others to help

• Caring for your children during this time

• Being a caregiver and keeping your job

• Keeping your health insurance if you have to quit your job

Please read the full article here to get the full expanded version. Link: If You’re About to Become a Cancer Caregiver