Why the Support of a Family Caregiver Matters
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Here's why having a family caregiver at your side matters now more than ever.
At some point, you may feel physically tired so it's best to start getting used to delegating important tasks to a caregiver early on. Let someone else pick up the kids or cook dinner so you have time to rest and get the mental space needed to focus on your treatment. Easing into this new routine will help you have a system in place for when you really need it.
You may get into a mental fog or have problems concentrating, what some people call, chemo brain. Bringing a caregiver with you to appointments takes the pressure off remembering everything.
Your caregiver can also make phone calls, advocate for alternative treatments, and help you find your voice when talking with doctors or nurses.
During treatment, you might feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. Having a trusted friend or family member you can share your feelings with, may help ease that burden. He or she can be there just to listen, arrange social activities, and also, know when to seek outside help.
It can be hard to give up control, but it can also be freeing to delegate to loved ones so you can devote more time to your treatments.
SPEAKER
Being diagnosed with cancer can leave you with a host of new emotions. It's normal to feel guilty or afraid that you'll be a burden to loved ones, but you shouldn't worry. Most friends and family want to help. Here's why having a family caregiver at your side matters now more than ever.
At some point, you may feel physically tired so it's best to start getting used to delegating important tasks to a caregiver early on. Let someone else pick up the kids or cook dinner so you have time to rest and get the mental space needed to focus on your treatment. Easing into this new routine will help you have a system in place for when you really need it.
You may get into a mental fog or have problems concentrating, what some people call, chemo brain. Bringing a caregiver with you to appointments takes the pressure off remembering everything.
Your caregiver can also make phone calls, advocate for alternative treatments, and help you find your voice when talking with doctors or nurses.
During treatment, you might feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. Having a trusted friend or family member you can share your feelings with, may help ease that burden. He or she can be there just to listen, arrange social activities, and also, know when to seek outside help.
It can be hard to give up control, but it can also be freeing to delegate to loved ones so you can devote more time to your treatments.
