Caring for someone with cancer is a tough challenge. Here are 5 tips to help caregivers take care of themselves so they can keep going in the long term.
A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. It deeply affects a person’s entire immediate circle and impacts almost all aspects of life.
Often, family members and close friends become caregivers and have to learn new skills while making incredible emotional sacrifices to support the person they care about.
At the same time, caregivers must be sure that they are caring for themselves as well so they can keep going for the long term.
Belong. Life, the world’s largest social network for cancer patients and caregivers, shares 5 key tips for how to care for yourself when you’re caring for someone with cancer.
5 Key Tips on How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Someone with Cancer
1. Define your limits
For some, helping and supporting a loved one can produce positive feelings. However, it’s also natural to feel overwhelmed and, at times, even trapped.
When you feel the work isn’t being shared evenly or that you are being pushed more than other friends and family, it’s necessary to define your limits and work together on a new plan.
2. Consult with professionals beyond doctors
It’s difficult to plan for a major health challenge like cancer.
Often, it will happen suddenly. Without much notice, you’ll need to take care of a cancer patient and help make crucial decisions about medical care.
Fear, hopelessness, guilt, confusion, and anger are not just emotions felt by patients, but by caregivers as well.
Don’t be shy. Turn to social workers and psychologists in your local hospitals and communities to learn from and connect with experts.
3. Take time out for yourself
Many caregivers feel guilty about taking a break.
However, taking breaks provides much-needed strength and clarity for the continued challenges that lie ahead.
A break can take many forms, including social activities, exercise, or relaxing, restful activities like reading a book, watching a movie, or taking a trip.
It’s important to schedule some time off to give your mind a break from thinking about the disease and caregiving tasks.
4. Don’t try to do everything yourself
Some caregivers feel like they must do everything by themselves.
They may believe that, as a partner, brother, son, or daughter, it all rests on their shoulders.
Remember that there are many aspects of care that experts can help you with, especially when it comes to medical issues.
5. Find support
Talking to other caregivers in similar situations helps ease loneliness. It also gives new ideas and tips regarding treatment and overcoming a wide range of challenges.
Whether it’s through a local or online support group, participants share their personal stories and offer practical advice to support each other through shared experiences.
A useful tip from one caregiver to another can make a world of difference when you’re caring for someone with cancer.
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Guest contributor: Belong is a free app that unites more than 120,000 global cancer fighters, providing education, tips, networking with medical professionals, support, and clinical trial matching.
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
