VISITING ANGELS GULF SHORES, AL 251-943-7525
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Tips for Caregivers of a Loved One with Breast Cancer

As the patient, fighting breast cancer is the most formidable job. The next most challenging job is caregiving for the loved one with breast cancer. Not only is battling breast cancer a marathon and not a sprint, but it doesn't come with a handbook, unfortunately. Here are five tips to consider when caregiving for a loved one with breast cancer.

Just Be There Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Tips for Caregivers of a Loved One with Breast Cancer

A breast cancer survivor named Michele provided the following quote about what she needed from others during her recovery and what she recommends for family, friends, and caregivers: "Just be there for them, in whatever capacity that is, but also give them space when they need it, let them cry when they need to cry, let them get mad if they need to...just comfort and support them."

Ensure Your Own Self-Care

Given caregivers provide so much time, energy, and effort to their loved one, they often place their own needs on the backburner. Airline personnel remind us each time we begin our flight that in case of emergency, be sure to put the oxygen on ourselves first so we can then help others. This concept holds true for caregivers as well. Some self-care strategies include taking a break from caregiving duties by enlisting family, friends, or professional caregivers, such as Visiting Angels Foley for help. Some family caregivers seek professional counselors' services to talk through their feelings and learn additional coping strategies. Others have joined support groups to talk things through and learn as much as possible.

Communicate Openly

As the caregiver, express your feelings when you have them. On the flip side, listen patiently when your loved one expresses their feelings. Although you may not agree with every decision your love one makes during their care, it is essential to respect their choices.

Implement Organizational Strategies

Caregiving for a loved one with breast cancer can feel like a full-time job. Time management and organizational systems can alleviate some stress for everybody. For example, keep a file, binder, or online record of medical bills, mark appointments on a paper or smartphone calendar, and carry a medication list for quick, easy reference. Organizational systems minimize wasted time and maximize time to be enjoying other things.

Plan Fun and Familiar Activities

Breast cancer can derail people from participating in everyday, familiar and enjoyable activities like they were doing before the diagnosis. As a caregiver to a family member with breast cancer, try to revisit those fun activities that brought joy and comfort from the past when possible. These activities can help return a sense of normalcy for everyone, if even for a short time.

How Visiting Angels Foley Can Help

If you or a senior loved one either requires a visit to a physician for breast cancer testing or post-operative treatment, the compassionate caregivers of Visiting Angels Foley can help. We are the premier senior in-home caregivers serving the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Our Personal Care and Ready-Set-Go Home Programs assist seniors with tasks such as:

  • Transport and accompany seniors to doctor appointments
  • Following hospitalization or surgery, assistance with personal care such as bathing and dressing
  • Stand by assistance when navigating stairs in the home
  • Grocery shopping and preparation of nutritious meals
  • Medication schedule support
  • Ensure follow-through with the hospital discharge plan

If you would like to learn more, call us at 251-517-9700 or contact us online today.

Serving the Alabama Gulf Coast including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Visiting Angels GULF SHORES, AL
1313 South Commercial Dr #101A
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-943-7525

Serving the Alabama Gulf Coast including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Visiting Angels GULF SHORES, AL
1313 South Commercial Dr #101A
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-943-7525