Caring for Cancer Patients at Home

Mon, Jul 26, 2021 10:04 PM Medicare Medicare Supplement

Caring for Cancer Patients at Home, It's never easy to be given a cancer diagnosis. There's a lot to take in, and there are a lot of new terms and therapies to consider. This isn't only true for the person who receives the diagnosis; as a caregiver for a loved one with cancer, you have a lot of new information to process as well as thoughts and feelings to go through.

Caring for a cancer-stricken loved one is not a role that can be prepared for, but it is one that can be learned. While much of it will be learned by trial and error, getting advice from people who have gone before you can save you a lot of time, money, and pain in the long run. If you've recently started caring for a loved one with cancer, here are few things to think about.

 

Organize Yourself

 

Cancer is a serious illness that necessitates numerous doctor visits and therapies, all of which can be time-consuming. Finding strategies to be organized at home and at your appointments will help you avoid unneeded stress. Do you want to try some new organizational ideas? Consider the following:

• Create a shared calendar, either hard copy or digital, to keep track of your loved one's treatment and appointment schedule so you can support them while also juggling your own obligations.

• Keep all of your doctor's appointment notes in one location, such as a folder or binder. Include all prescription drug information, which will aid your loved one's medical staff in keeping track of how different prescriptions interact.

• Keep a log of your loved one's symptoms or side effects and bring it to doctor's appointments with you. When you get the doctor's full attention during an appointment, you will be able to address all of your questions and concerns.

 

Also Read Things You Should Know as a Family Caregiver

 

 

 

Check In With Work

 

Many caregivers must juggle their responsibilities as a caregiver with a full-time or part-time employment, which can be a tough tightrope walk at times. If you are employed, check with your boss to see if there are any advantages that can help you cope with your stress. While benefits differ by company, there are a few federal and state programs that you can participate in, including:

• Paid Family Leave: A number of states have passed legislation allowing employees to take paid time off to care for a sick relative. To determine if your state offers family medical leave.

• The Family and Medical Leave Act(FMLA): The Family and Medical Leave Act allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from your job. The amount of time you can take off depends on the size of the company you work for, but this rule allows you to take the time you need without fear of losing your job.

 

Also Read: Tips for Better Sleep for Cancer Patients

 

Allow yourself to relax

 

When people talk about being a caregiver, they often compare it to flight attendants instructing you to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others in an emergency. This is true because the quality of care you can provide your loved one will suffer if you are exhausted or job burned out. It may seem illogical to prioritize yourself when someone you care about is going through a difficult time, but staying well on both a physical and emotional level will benefit you both. As a caregiver, you can practice self-care in the following ways:

• Exercise on a regular basis. Whether you want to run, ride, walk, or swim, exercising your body can benefit you not just physically but also mentally. Physical activity can help you clear your thoughts and reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

• Express your emotions. You have a large support system, whether you recognize it or not, ranging from friends and family to clergy or a professional therapist. Regardless matter where you turn to unburden yourself, the idea is to process your feelings rather than keep them pent up inside.

• Dedicate some time to yourself. Adding time to your day that helps you refocus and recenter yourself will have a significant impact on your well-being, whether you choose to read a book, or simply sit in silence and scroll mindlessly on your phone.

• Eat healthily. It's easy to grab a bite to eat on the run or forget to eat for long periods of time, but fuelling your body with good, nutritious food is critical to your position as a caretaker.

 

Also Read: How to Reduce Your Cancer Risk with Good Nutrition

 

 

When you're in need of assistance, don't be afraid to ask for it.

 

When caring for a loved one with cancer, it's not always possible to do everything on your own, so knowing when to call in help is critical. There are a variety of support groups available to assist caregivers with the weighty and complex emotions that might accompany caring for a loved one with cancer. Check with the hospital where your loved one is being treated to see if they have a support group you can join, or conduct a Google search for a support group in your region.

 

Learn How Medicare can Assist you Deal With Cancer

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