Cancer caregiving is very important. The people who provide cancer home care deserve the best tools to help them cope with the emotional stress of caring for someone with cancer. Read more about the top five self-help tips for caregivers who provide cancer home care.
Overview
When you care for someone with cancer, you often feel like your job never ends. You may be doing so many different things at once — driving them to appointments, helping them get dressed, cooking nutritious meals, taking them to the bathroom, helping them manage pain, assisting with bathing, and providing emotional support.
You will be doing everything possible to help your loved one get well again, but you may not always feel like you could cope with the stress and emotional trauma. You might even feel quite isolated at times – trying hard to deal with feelings of remoteness, grief, and loss all at once.
Cancer caregivers often feel guilty about not taking care of themselves. However, if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, remember that you are doing a great job. You are supporting someone else through an extremely tough time. Your loved one may not even realize what you are doing for them.
Challenges You May Face as A Caregiver
- As caregivers, you may feel that your responsibilities are leading to burnout. You may face physical, emotional, financial, and social stresses.
- These stressors can negatively affect our physical well-being, emotional state, finances, and relationships with family members and friends.
- Caregivers can also feel emotionally drained from taking on an overwhelming amount of responsibility while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- When looking after a loved one, it can feel overwhelming at times. You may notice feelings of stress, anxiety, worry, sadness, guilt, or anger.
Remember, these emotions can affect your ability to care for them properly. There are many ways to manage these feelings, including talking to friends, family members, or healthcare professionals about what you are experiencing. Remember to stay calm and focused during the situation, as this can help reduce the negative impact of the situation on both you and your loved one. If you struggle with these feelings, then you should consider the below-give self-care tips.
-
Be Patient!
Cancer patients often have many questions about their care. You may need to repeat yourself several times before they understand what you’re saying. Don’t get frustrated if they don’t seem to comprehend everything you say. Remember that they are dealing with a serious illness and may not always remember things immediately. Ask cancer patients how they are feeling at any given time. If they tell you they are tired, ask them whether they want to rest. Talk to them regularly, express your feelings and listen to them too. Make sure to be happy and cheerful while delivering services. It will be effective for both the patient and you too.
-
Know your Limits!
For some, helping and supporting others can produce positive emotions. But it’s also normal to feel overwhelmed and sometimes trapped. That’s why it’s important to set boundaries and work on a clear plan when you serve someone with cancer as a caregiver. You may need to step back, define your limits, understand your ability, and dedicate your time and energy to a certain limit. You may need to establish a new approach, especially if your behavior becomes toxic or destructive to both you and the patient.
-
Make time for yourself!
When you’re dealing with the constant demands of caring for someone who’s diagnosed with cancer, you don’t always have the luxury of time to take care of yourself. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything possible to make sure your mental and physical health is prioritized. You should treat yourself well. Schedule time for relaxation, socialization, exercise programs, and anything else that makes you feel good. Get up once a week to walk around outside. Go for a drive. Or take some rest, and unwind yourself. Getting adequate rest helps you function better and keeps the caregiver from burning out.
-
Have Enough Info About Cancer!
Cancer is a disease that affects everyone differently. You need to understand your loved one’s condition and treatment options before making any decisions. Cancer patients often face financial challenges when dealing with medical bills. Have enough information about cancer and its after-effects to deliver the best caregiving. Remember, the process won’t be a cakewalk for all – so be patient and determined with a strong resolution.
-
Keep track of symptoms!
Don’t let cancer keep you from keeping track of the changes you notice in your loved one. A caregiver isn’t likely to discover something is wrong unless he/she keeps a close eye on his/her patient. That includes paying attention to unusual bowel movements, weight loss, or muscle spasms. It’s important to note changes in your patient’s condition. Write down information about his or her mood, appetite, sleep patterns, pain levels, and anything else that seems unusual. These notes can help you determine whether he or she needs additional medical attention.
-
Seek out support!
There are many ways to seek support if you need help taking care of your loved one. Speak with friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else who understands what you’re experiencing. Finding other individuals who are going through similar experiences can help you deal with your feelings about providing care. You may also want to join an online caregiver support group or seek out local support groups in your area.
-
Nurture an optimistic attitude!
When caring for someone with cancer disease, setting boundaries helps you feel like an effective caregiver. You may not be able to influence the situation around you, but you can set the tone for yourself. Talk with family members or your care team about how to manage stress during work. You may also wish to discuss your feelings with family and friends.
