It is usually an unexpected turn of events that leaves a family caring for someone.  What it means is that our lives go from super busy and tough-to-manage to what now may seem impossible.  Caring for anyone, especially a loved one who is ill with cancer, can be mentally and physically exhausting.

When we, or someone we love, take on the role of caregiver, we can often see what they don’t – we see the toll it takes on them and the stress it puts on their family and home.  Even if they pick up the mantle of caregiver with love and pride, the outpouring of emotions and hard work toward a patient ill with cancer can be overwhelming.

So what do we do to support a loved one in that role – and how do we do to get support if it’s us?

First, simply show up.  Just because a family develops a routine does not mean that they couldn’t use a break – or an ear. Don’t be afraid to ask about their story or look for how you can support them.  An open line of communication is priceless, and sometimes we do a magnificent job of looking like we’ve got it all under control – but we don’t.  If you’re the caregiver for a loved one with cancer, resist the urge to say “Fine” when someone asks how you are. Allow yourself to be honest about what’s happening on any given day.  Keep those lines of communication open with your own support network too. Sometimes having someone to listen to us is the best medicine.

If you see someone you care about struggle under the burden of caregiving, trust your instincts.  The list of small things you can do to help is limitless:  Cook a meal (yes, this is obvious, but it’s also always helpful).  Offer childcare for their kids so the caregiver can focus on their patient – or even themselves.  Put together a pampering basket of books and music. Offer to spend time with the cancer patient – sometimes just keeping them company allows the caregiver and their family to regroup for a little while, even if you’re in the next room.

The bottom line is, don’t be afraid to let someone be there for you – take the risk to reach out and be there for them. 

To your health and well being,

Samantha Mayfield
Intake Coordinator
Camelot Cancer Care

As any family with a loved one who has cancer knows, finding support is vital to keeping EVERYONE healthy through the process, even if it’s just one day a week. While friends and family are great, in the event you decide to hire a home health aide, there are questions you should definitely ask before giving that person access to your home and your family.

Here are five questions to help you get started with the process and find the best person to support you and your patient through this time of recovery.  It’s very important to remember to take your time and be sure that the aide has the other qualities most important to you and your family too, however.  Take the time to ask your family members what those qualities are – for instance, is it vital that the aide is quiet – or would you rather have someone friendly and bubbly?  That’s just one example, but the time you put into the hiring process at the beginning can save you hours of frustration as you go through aide after aide if you DON’T do your due diligence properly.

5 Questions to Use When Choosing a Home Health Aide

1. Is the Home Health Aide certified and formally trained and how long have they worked in your community?

2. Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by the home health aide?
3. What are the financial procedures of this provider?
4. What procedures does this provider have in place to handle emergencies? Are its caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
5. How does this provider ensure patient confidentiality?

In addition, definitely request that your potential Aide supply you with a list of references (and call them all).  These may be doctors or nurses, discharge planners, patients or family members that they’ve worked with before.

Samantha Mayfield
Intake Coordinator
Camelot Cancer Care