CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER TO A CANCER PATIENT

Introduction

When caring for a loved one, adjusting to the role of a Caregiver can feel overwhelming for many reasons because of many responsibilities involved. Giving care can mean helping with daily needs which may include picking up medicines, making meals, physical care, symptoms management among others. It may also involve helping a loved one cope with various emotions and feelings. A caregiving role comes with little warning and preparation, and new challenges and expectations are added to the existing responsibilities and activities.

Family caregivers have been a ‘silent partner’ in health care delivery, functioning as de facto care coordinators. Family caregivers make important contributions to ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to patient preferences and their role cannot be ignored. The healthiest way to care for another person is to ensure that you care for yourself also.

The caregivers can take the following steps to ensure that they are not burnt out in the process of helping a loved one:

• Paying attention to their needs by ensuring they get enough rest which includes getting adequate sleep and eat nutritious meals etc.
• Learning to pace themselves by not doing everything at once.
• Seeking and accepting help from other family members, friends, colleagues etc.
• Delegating some responsibilities when possible.
• Sharing their feelings or other concerns they might have with trusted friends, family members or a therapist.

Conclusion

Highly strained caregivers are at increased risk for depression and other health problems. It is important to note that self-care is part of the caregiving job and therefore attending to own needs is paramount.