For the Caregiver
Caring for a loved one with cancer may be one of the most difficult yet rewarding things you ever do. To the person living with cancer, it is one of the things they appreciate the most.
Commonly, a caregiver is the person who manages daily care at home. This may be a spouse, parent, child, sibling, close friend or someone who is a caregiver by profession. It may also be more than one person. Their responsibilities include communicating with the health care team; watching for symptoms and side effects; managing medications; coordinating household tasks, including shopping for groceries, making meals, running errands, cleaning and doing laundry; arranging or providing transportation, child care and carpools; helping with personal care; and being a companion who is a good listener and source of emotional support.
However, it is important to know that a caregiver comes in many forms. Many people who live farther away may want to help. Though they aren’t onsite, these long-distance caregivers can still be productive members of the caregiving team.
For the Long-Distance Caregiver
The following tasks not only relieve the workload of on-site caregivers, they help those who live farther away feel they are contributing:
- Research, interview and arrange for in-home care.
- Join medical appointments by phone or video chat to stay informed.
- Meet weekly (or as needed) by phone or video chat with on-site caregivers.
- Order prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies.
- Pay bills and handle insurance claims.
- Arrange temporary relief for primary caregivers, called respite care, for the on-site caregivers. It is essential. Caregivers must have time to recharge and take care of their own health.
- Explore options for long-term care, including assisted living, a nursing home or a rehab facility.
- Travel to provide respite care when possible.
