Caregivers will benefit from examining their own feelings and other responses to the cancer diagnosis. This self-awareness is an important first step to providing meaningful assistance to the patient. While all feelings are valid, if caregivers are unaware of their own anxieties or other emotions, they may unknowingly send mixed messages during caregiving interactions. Regional Cancer Care Associates suggests caregivers keep the following in mind:

STAY EDUCATED ABOUT THE CONDITION

Every cancer is different, as is every patient. Start by finding out more about the specific cancer diagnosis and how it may affect your loved one. For example, what are the main symptoms of the cancer, and what is the plan for treatment? What are the logistics involved in accessing treatment, and how can the caregiver help? Understanding how cancer might affect the patient’s energy level, or whether a loved one may experience pain related to the cancer or side effects related to its treatment, helps caregivers provide more effective support.

Self-education, whether by reading, asking medical professionals, accessing caregiver resources, or talking with family members, also may take some of the burden of explanation off the person with cancer by enabling the caregiver – with the patient’s permission – to address questions that family or friends may ask.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

This is one of the most important aspects of caregiving. If they become exhausted, emotionally overwrought, or anxious, caregivers will experience burnout. When caregivers are depleted emotionally, they cannot give what patients truly need. They are less able to pay attention and may miss important signs or symptoms. This lack of awareness can even be medically dangerous at times, but the most important point is that it runs contrary to the overall goal of the caregiver, which is to help the patient and ease his or her daily challenges.

All caregivers want their loved one with cancer to be as healthy and rested as possible, and to access the emotional and medical resources they need for their recovery. Self-care on the part of the caregiver is an important element in reaching this goal.

RESPECT THE PATIENT’S PRIVACY

This may seem counterintuitive when it comes to caregiving, but all patients need privacy. They do not always want to talk about their feelings or even share information about their physical condition. Everyone has a right to privacy concerning their medical information.

As caregivers assist their loved ones, they may be able to tell when the patient is upset or hurting, and if he or she wants to talk or does not. It may not be possible to make the right call every time, but with compassion and good intentions, caregivers usually can improve the situation for the patient.