For someone dealing with cancer, having the love and support of a close family member or friend is extremely important. Oftentimes, however, out of both care and a sense of duty, family members dive selflessly into the caregiving role without giving much thought to their own needs. When acting as a caregiver for someone with cancer, it is important to know and accept your own limits and have a support system of your own for tasks with which you will need help.
When taking on the caregiving role, a few things you can do to set yourself up for success include:
- Build your support system. Talk to friends, family members, members of your faith community, neighbors, coworkers, etc. and find out who you can go to when you need assistance with your loved one's care. Often people are happy to help; they just need to be asked.
- Research respite care programs in your area. Respite caregivers spend time with your loved one while you run errands or take some personal time away. They may help with feeding, bathing, or daily routines.
- When feeling worried or overwhelmed, talk to a mental health professional or join a support group. Caregiving can often make you feel isolated or lonely. Speaking with a counselor or oncology social worker can help you cope with your worries. Also, joining a caregiver support group can help you connect with others who are experiencing similar situations and provide a safe place to express your feelings and receive support.
- Know your rights. If you work for a company with 50 or more employees and have worked there for at least one year, you are probably allowed unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act to provide care for your loved one. Ask your company’s human resources department for help.
Remember that caring for a loved one means caring for yourself first. Creating a plan for how to care for yourself can help you become a better caregiver. Contact Independence-4-Seniors for more information about our respite care services that can help you manage your time while providing excellent care for your loved one.