13 Oct Cancer Treatment: 11 Essential Tips On Caring For A Loved One
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Research has shown that people undergoing cancer treatment need the support of family and friends. Studies show that cancer survivors with a strong emotional support group can cope better with the changes cancer brings. They often have a more positive view and describe themselves having a better quality of life. You can make a big difference in the life of your loved one fighting cancer. Studies also show that caring for a person with cancer can be challenging both emotionally and physically. We know how hard it is to be a caregiver, and we offer professional home care for families dealing with the added challenges of supporting their loved ones during this time. But, if you are a caregiver, you are not alone! We’ve compiled the following guide to give you some tips on how you can help your loved one during this difficult time
Top Tips for Caring for a Loved One During Cancer Treatments:
- It’s a Team Effort: Remember, you are not alone. Lean on your community to help you. Care works better when it’s a team effort. Each member of the team can offer different skills and strengths, ask for help from those who care about you and your loved one.
- Lists are Your Friend: Create a list of tasks so you don’t feel overwhelmed. There are a multitude of free online tools that can let your cancer treatment support team divide the tasks between friends, family, professionals, and other volunteers.
- Accept Limitations: During treatment, your loved one can experience a myriad of challenging side effects. They may not notice all the small things you do. Take comfort in knowing you’re doing the best you can. Look for positive feedback from your support team.
- Try to stay positive: A cancer diagnosis and treatment is scary and taxing not only physically but mentally and emotionally. It can be the same for those supporting a loved on undergoing cancer treatment. A positive outlook will help you and your loved one. If you need help, you may also wish to talk with friends, religious or spiritual advisors, counselors, and health care professionals.
- Focus on fun, meaningful activities: At times it may seem like fighting cancer is all there is for you and your loved one but there is still a life to live outside of cancer. Help your loved one stay connected friends, family, and community. They may not be able to do everything they could before. Try to focus on things that are easy and bring joy.
- Be proactive: Planning as much as possible can prevent last-minute emergencies and you will feel calmer knowing you’re prepared for any scenario.
- Simplify the Beauty Routine: Women with cancer may experience a sense of confidence and control when they continue to take care of how they look. Having a conversation before treatment starts about what they want to prioritize can help alleviate stress in the moment. Helping them with hair and makeup, even if they’re in bed, can be uplifting to her spirits. For. Keep their favorite lotions and grooming supplies handy with a inexpensive storage caddies.
- It’s not just hair loss: Most women undergoing treatment for breast cancer will at some point lose their hair. It’s not only the trauma of the lost locks, your loved one’s scalp may be sensitive if the treatment makes their hair fall out. Before treatment starts, make sure you have mild shampoo and a soft bristled hairbrush.
- Appetites might go out the window: Keeping liquid meal replacements handy for when your loved one just isn’t up to eating can help keep nutrition up. Soft and cold foods like protein milkshakes and popsicles are tasty options. Check out our Chicken Noodle Soup board for recipes and ideas ▶
- Breathe: Deep-breathing exercises and other ways to relax can help you AND your loved one deal with the stress and anxiety of cancer. In addition, listening to music, activities like “zen doodling” along with meditation and prayer can be great stress busters for everyone.
- Consider professional and volunteer services: Everyone needs help sometimes. From big tasks like helping with bathing and dressing to small things like laundry and light housework, a professional caregiver can help families focus on their loved-one and let the daily task go.
Conclusion:
Here at Family Tree In-Home Care, we want you to know that you’re not alone, and we’re here to help both you and your loved one manage this difficult situation. Our professional at home assistance includes professional home care, home prepared meals, and help with everyday activities when a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment. Schedule your free in-home care assessment now >