Caring for a Loved One with Cancer

You are not alone as a cancer caregiver

Caring for a cancer patient comes with a lot of responsibilities, some you may not be prepared for. Remember that being a caregiver is a team effort between family members, friends, volunteers, and the health care team. Here at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, we have resources to help you tackle the biggest challenges caregivers experience in an educated way. These include communicating with your loved one’s medical team, dealing with legal and financial issues and handling medical issues you may encounter.

Communicate effectively with your loved one's care team

It's good for a caregiver to accompany their loved one to doctor's appointments and treatments. Because of age, emotions about the cancer diagnosis, or side effects from treatment, a patient may need assistance communicating with the care team. Here are a few tips for being efficient as a caregiver at your loved one's appointments:

• Keep track of appointments and arrive early
• Write down questions for the care team ahead of time
• Take notes or voice record things your care team tells you at an appointment for future reference
• Keep a list and schedule of your loved one's medications for easy reference at an appointment
• Keep track of side effects that are occurring or worsening, and talk about these with the care team at the next visit

Ask a Cancer Support Specialist

Educational Opportunities for Those Caring for a Loved One with Cancer

These special 2021 programs are presented by the Henry Ford Cancer Institute to our caregivers free of charge. The opportunities were made possible by The Community Foundation For Southeast Michigan and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation.

Caring for your loved one with cancer

People with cancer are spending more time at home during treatment than ever before. That means caregivers are now responsible for managing side effects that were previously be taken care of by trained healthcare professionals.

The American Cancer Society has created an educational video series especially to help caregivers as they assist with the everyday needs of cancer patients and provide self-care techniques to improve their quality of life. Videos include:

• Surgical drain care
• Lifting
• Pain management
• Medication management
• Managing side effects — constipation
• Managing side effects — diarrhea
• Managing side effects — mouth problems
• Managing side effects — nausea and vomiting
• Signs of infection

You can also visit the National Cancer institute website for more resources about helping to manage cancer treatment side effects as a caregiver.

Caring for yourself

Being a caregiver can be absorbing and stressful, making it easy to ignore your own personal needs to focus on the person with cancer. However, taking care of your physical and spiritual needs can make you a better caregiver. Beware of caregiver burnout, and remember to do the following:

• Take care of your own health needs - Stay up-to-date with your medical needs including taking your medications, eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising
• Find "me" time - Take 15-30 minutes per day and do an activity or hobby you find relaxing.
• Don't neglect your friends and family - You may have to reduce the time you spend on personal activities, but make sure you are finding a way to stay in touch with those close to you.
• Ask for help - As a caregiver you are not alone- ask others for assistance with things they can do such as cooking meals or running errands. Joining a support group is a great way to get emotional support from others in your same position.

One way to stay in touch with concerned people and rally the help of friends and family is through a Caring Bridge page. It is a centralized, private webpage where you or your loved one can post health updates and get support. Family and friends can leave messages offering words of encouragement and stories, memories, photos and videos. These uplifting messages of love and hope can give strength to the patient and caregiver. Caring Bridge is also available as an app for your phone or tablet, enabling you to update from anywhere.

Learn how to create a thoughtful care package for a loved one or friend with cancer