Cancer diagnosis impacts the patient and the people around them significantly. Sometimes, people overlook the impact of the experience on the primary caregivers and those close to the patient. Consequently, they struggle individually after processing the situation.
Hence, it is important to look into their well-being as they sacrifice most of their resources, if not all, to care for their loved ones.
With the increasing modern technology for cancer screening, research shows that there are more patients diagnosed with cancer currently than in past years. It equates to the number of caregivers we have in our community.
Some take up the role willingly, while others do it because they lack options. Even so, they remain significant to the patient who needs them more in such a season of illness. When caregivers get the right support, their experience with cancer patients is manageable, and their efforts are effective.
The Role of Cancer Caregivers:
Cancer caregivers can be present and physically living with the patient in the same house. Exceptionally, they can help their loved ones from a distance, calling to ensure they get the relevant assistance they need at a particular time. Here are the roles caregivers take on:
Assisting them with their daily routine:
Individual routines vary depending on the kind of life one had been living before the disease. In the case of a student, they need to continue with their education, even if it means studying online. Caregivers will help them get professional services with their academic work, such as grademiners writing service, so they can worry less about their studies. The daily help needed for cancer patients includes:
- Cleaning their clothes
- Cooking their food
- Going to the market to buy what they need
- Taking them to the bathroom, among others
Administering medication as per doctor’s prescription:
Most cancer patients don’t adhere to the prescription given. One contributing factor is that they could be in denial and thus may struggle with taking medications. Caregivers help them realize the importance of taking medication as prescribed and remind them to take it on time.
Offering emotional, psychological, and spiritual help as needed:
Irrespective of the stage of cancer that patient is in, they need a lot of support holistically. This is where the burden of the caregiver’s work lies; you must be with them, supporting them emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. Some experience severe anxiety and depression, and they would need emotional support.
Coordinating the necessary services and care needed for their patients:
Much coordination is inevitable when caring for cancer patients, especially for caregivers who live far from the patients. They need to make calls and ensure their loved ones get quality care. They also act as contact people in the family, updating other relatives on the patient’s progress.
How to Take Care of Yourself as a Cancer Caregiver?
It takes a lot of effort, sacrifice, and love to take care of a cancer patient. While all you do as a caregiver is paramount, it should not be at the expense of your well-being. You need to take good care of yourself.
Here are tips on how to:
- Understand the Dynamics of the Patient’s Condition:
Cancer manifests uniquely in every patient. Also, the disease goes through various stages of progression until the treatment is administered fully. As a caregiver, you must study your patient and the cancer type. It means finding an expert to help you get research findings on cancer; a grademiners review can help choose experts to assist you. Learning about cancer helps you understand the different cancer stages, treatment procedures, tests required, and the side effects of the medications. Thus, it prepares you psychologically on what to expect and what to do without it taking a toll on you.
- Focus on Your Routine:
Despite all the work needed to take good care of a cancer patient, always refocus on your routine as an individual. It helps you to live a quality life. If you are a full-time professional, plan your caregiver duties to suit your job schedule. It helps to reduce stress and keep you mentally and emotionally healthy.
- Create Relaxing Schedule:
Taking care of a cancer patient can be emotionally and physically draining. Caregivers need time to relax and rejuvenate. You can find out the exercises and things that help you relax and do them often. You can watch a movie, exercise, walk around, nap, or visit a friend. These are some of the things you can do in between your daily caregiver routine.
- Ask for Assistance:
Do you have various relatives who could come in to help you take care of your loved one? Don’t hesitate to ask them to stand in for you. They could help you cook, clean, or take the patient to the doctor as you focus on your activities.
- Look for Positivity in Your Small World:
It is a practical coping skill that many attest to. The secret is finding things that can make you smile, laugh, or see life from a positive side. Despite the challenges that families of cancer patients go through, there are multiple positive things you can find to reduce the tension in your mind and relax.
- Join a Support Group:
A support group is a team of people going through or has undergone a similar situation. There are many cancer support groups present in the community. You could join them physically or online. They help you feel part of the larger community as you understand cancer experiences and coping mechanisms.
Caregiver jobs are hard, especially when the patient is close to you. It drains you physically, emotionally, and mentally. The fact that you love this person makes the distress even more. However, with the right support, you can enjoy caring for your loved one as you focus on your daily routine.
Realize that you are not alone, and most people are willing to help you go through that phase of life, whether by supporting you financially, emotionally, or physically being there for you when you need them. Prioritize taking good care of yourself as you give your best to the patient.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
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