Caring for a Loved One with Cancer
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for cancers of all types. According to the National Cancer Institute, most cancer diagnoses occur around 66, and the risk further increases with age. Some of the most common cancers in older adults include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.
No one wants to find out someone they love has cancer, but there are actions you can take to help your loved one process and live with their diagnosis.
Educate Yourself
One of the best first steps you can take after a loved one is diagnosed with cancer is to educate yourself about their condition. There are tons of different types of cancers, and they each affect the body differently. You can talk to their doctor or research information online to learn what their cancer is, the symptoms they’ll experience, and how it’ll affect their ability to care for themselves. You can also reach out to your loved one’s doctor about treatment options so you can help your loved one decide if they need your help choosing what is right for them.
Communicate
When loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, they will experience many emotions and thoughts. Talk to your loved ones about what they’re going through. Let them know speaking with you is a safe place, and they’re free to express themselves. You also want to make yourself comfortable sharing your ideas, fears, and concerns.
Good communication also includes active listening. Even though your loved one has cancer, they are still adults with ideas and opinions about their care and treatment. When you ask your loved one a question, listen and acknowledge what they’re saying. Take their words into consideration and keep them a part of the decision-making process.
Practice Patience and Empathy
Everyone reacts to their cancer diagnoses differently. Some people take it with acceptance, while others feel fear, anger, or anxiety. It’s also typical of an individual’s feelings to change throughout the process. When you’re interacting with your loved one, remain patient. They may not be ready to talk about their diagnoses and treatment options right away, and that’s okay. Give them space to process and allow them to come to you when they’re ready.
Also, remember to practice empathy with your loved one. Some days they may have heightened emotions and lash out with fear or anger. If that happens, try to approach the situation with empathy and understand your loved one’s emotions are not a reflection on you.
Encourage a Normal Routine
Often when a person is diagnosed with cancer, everything about their life gets consumed by their condition. While some things in their life may need to change, try to help your loved one stick to a routine. Encourage them to engage in hobbies, visit friends, and partake in activities that bring them joy. Helping them maintain normalcy can help them cope and improve their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Ask for Help
Caring for a loved one can turn into a full-time job. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to family or friends in the area and ask if they would have the capacity to help care for your loved one. If they’re not able to commit long-term, ask for assistance for a day or two so you can relax and recharge.
Suppose there is no nearby family or friends who can assist in caring for your loved one. In that case, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver from a trusted agency such as Visiting Angels. Caregivers from Visiting Angels can help with various nonmedical tasks such as light housekeeping, cooking, medication reminders, personal grooming, mobility assistance, and more. We also offer transitional care to help seniors return home after hospitalization and reduce their chances of readmission.
Our Gadsden office serves Blount, Marshall, Etowah Counties, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this form online or call us at 256.507.0083.