- Schedule "quiet time" for yourself. The stress of everyday life can be
compounded for family caregivers. You deserve to take some quality time for
yourself - schedule a "day-off," quiet time at home or a day trip to the park.
- Take charge of your life. It's easy to become overwhelmed by your loved
one's illness and your new responsibility as a caregiver, but be sure to care
for yourself and enjoy time spent with other family members.
- Don't be afraid to ask for or accept help. Call on family, friends and
health care professionals to support you whenever you need it. Talk about issues
that concern you, and suggest specific tasks or projects that they can do to
help you.
- Get organized. Create lists - caregiving tasks, chores and household or
family duties - to organize your day. You also can make a list of worries to
share with someone to clear your head and get their feedback.
- Learn, learn, learn. Make sure you are educated about your loved one's
illness - knowledge is empowering. Call us (03-2698 7300), visit us or even
email us(contact@cancer.org.my) at
the NCSM Resource & Wellness Centre.
- Make time to enjoy the pleasures of the season. Go for a walk in the park,
visit the beach, attend a concert, go out for a holiday dinner or take a day to
go shopping with a friend. The holidays, while stressful at times, are also full
of opportunities for diversion and relaxation.
- Talk about your feelings. Don't be afraid to openly acknowledge your
caregiving situation or discuss your feelings with family and friends. With
proper support and education, caregiving can actually bring families closer
together.
| Cancer Caregiver |
How I'd Like to Help. . . |
Person with Cancer |
| |
Gather medical information about treatment options |
|
| |
ccompany to doctor appointments |
|
| |
Take notes during doctor appointments |
|
| |
Contribute to medical decisions |
|
| |
Keep loved ones informed |
|
| |
Promote a healthy diet |
|
| |
Encourage appropriate exercise |
|
| |
Look into safe, complementary therapy |
|
| |
Help with chores (or find helpers) |
|
| |
Organize and deal with medical bills |
|
| |
Provide distractions, fun and pleasure |
|
| |
Run household errands |
|
| |
Encourage open talk about the challenges we face |
|
| |
Attend a cancer support group |
|
| |
Go to a counselor |
|
| |
Deal with wills, living wills, and other legal paperwork |
|
BOOKS FOR CAREGIVERS
There are many, many books that are useful
for cancer caregivers. Here are just a few to get you started.
A
Caregivers Survival Guide: How to Stay Healthy When Your Loved One is Sick, by
Kay Marshall Strom (Intervarsity Press, 2000).
Caregivers Handbook,
edited by Deni Brown (Visiting Nurses Association, 1998).
Caregiving, by Peter S. Houts, PhD and Julia A. Bucher, RN, PhD (American Cancer Society,
2000).
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness, by Joanne Lynn, MD and Joan Harrold, MD (Oxford University Press,
1999).
Home Care Guide for Cancer: For Family and Friends Giving Care at Home, edited by Peter S. Houts, PhD (American College of Physicians,
1994).
Share the Care: How to Organize a Group to Care for Someone Who Is Seriously Ill, by Cappy Capossela and Sheila Warnock (Simon & Schuster, 1995).
Who Cares, A Loving Guide for Caregivers, by Dee Marrella (DC Press, 2000).
|
