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Cancer caregiving involves a wide range of experiences, feelings, and responsibilities. Whether you describe yourself as a caregiver, care partner, care supporter, or co-survivor, there’s no question that the role can be very rewarding and fulfilling. But caregiving can be hard physically and financially. Sometimes, it can also bring about complicated emotions like anger, shame, and guilt. First, know that you’re not alone. Many caregivers have the same questions, concerns, and challenges you may be experiencing. Consider the following caregiver statistics: 1 in 5 Americans identify as caregivers 61% of family caregivers also work 23% of caregivers report difficultly coordinating care 24% of caregivers care for more than one person It’s also important to know that you don’t have to navigate your caregiving role on your own. There are many resources that can support you and help you thrive. A good place to start is with some expert guidance from our Cancer Support Helpline’s Christina Bach, MBE, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, and Nichole Goble, Director of Community Initiatives at the Caregiver Action Network.
Learn from Christina and Nichole as they share a host of handy tips and resources for caregivers in the webinar Bridging the Gap: Navigating the Practical Challenges of Cancer Caregiving + Enhancing Communication with Your Loved One. Christina and Nichole, who are both long-distance caregivers, share personal stories and practical strategies to help you: Assess your needs and get organized Find help and support Make time for self-care to relax & recharge Manage complex emotions Maintain open & constructive communication with your care partner Keep Erdanib 4 mg (Erdafitinib) reading for a few highlights: Take Stock of Your Needs As caregivers, “we're concerned all the time,” Christina says. “We're always worried about the future.” Here are just a few common worries among caregivers: Am I doing this right? What if something happens to me? Who will take care of my loved one? Can I keep doing this? Are there people who can help us? What if I need to pay somebody to help us? Who's going to take care of the kids, the spouse, the dogs … while I'm focused on caregiving? When caregivers experience anxiety and worry, it can lead to other mood disturbances, sleep issues, and burnout, notes Christina.
It can also lead to unhealthy patterns like not eating, not drinking enough water, or not getting enough physical activity. In addition to worrying, it’s also common for caregivers to miss or forget their own healthcare appointments and needs. “They cannot find space for it in their schedule,” says Christina. “And oftentimes caregivers feel guilty. We feel ashamed. We're isolated, oftentimes lonely and angry. We love being a caregiver for the most part, but we are also worried about voicing any of these emotions as realities of our experience.” It’s okay to feel all those feelings, Christina adds. The good news is there are strategies that can help caregivers cope and manage personal challenges. “Now's the time to take stock,” she says. Ask yourself these questions: What can I do? What can’t I do? What am I uncomfortable doing? What might I be able to do if someone taught/supported me? What do I need to do for myself? Who can help? Do I have resources to pay for additional assistance? Can I get financial support to provide care? After you take stock of your needs, you are ready to get organized.
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发表于 2024-3-13 00:59:05