When talking about cancer and its process, little is said about the role of caregivers, and it turns out that this is a very important part.
Yes, the medical team is in charge of applying the treatments and providing all their professional experience, but the family and loved ones provide not only emotional support, but also vital day-to-day assistance. They are the link that connects the patient to the clinic, and also the ones who have the opportunity to offer an immediate response to any requirement or emergency, from reminding them of the medication schedule to offering a word of encouragement when needed, helping with hygiene and providing comfort. It is a demanding experience that leaves a lifelong mark on those who do it.
Therefore, when talking about the comprehensive approach to cancer, caring for caregivers and caring for the family is a key aspect. What should be taken into account? What is in the hands of the caregiver themselves? How does the medical team help? Let's do a quick review.
Why care for caregivers?: Supporting the family is also fighting cancer
When we talk about caring for a sick family member, emotional aspects such as love and solidarity almost always come to the fore. And, certainly, feelings are the protagonists when our loved ones face difficulties. But there is much more to take into account.
The caregiver's well-being is part of comprehensive care and constitutes a fundamental strategy to increase the chances of success in the fight against cancer and the general well-being of the patient. Put bluntly: if the caregiver is healthy and stable, his or her work will be efficient and effective.
Therefore, it is vital that the family members involved receive the necessary support to maintain their own physical and mental health. What to do? Much is in the hands of the caregiver and also of the environment.
5 tips for caregivers of people with cancer that you should not lose sight of
Caring for a person with cancer is a long and intense journey with much to discover. We share with you these 4 suggestions that can help you take better care of yourself and understand your role within the support network.
Study and educate yourself
Just like when you start any project or challenge, information is valuable. Educate yourself about cancer and the specific type that the person you care for has, as well as about treatments, side effects, and prognoses. Seek information from reliable sources, such as doctors, nurses, and cancer associations. Knowing the disease in depth will allow you to anticipate needs, understand changes in the patient's mood, and offer more effective and empathetic support.
In addition, by being aware of the process and their options, you can also help the patient make informed decisions about their treatment, in partnership with the medical team.
Establish an environment of comfort and trust
It doesn't matter how close your relationship is with the patient. No matter how much trust there is between the two of you, it is possible that —especially at the beginning— your constant presence and your involvement in intimate moments or situations of hygiene or medical care may seem a little uncomfortable to them. To make these moments easier, your patience and skill in creating an environment of comfort, complicity and tranquility will be vital. Talk openly about boundaries and consent, and create a space where the patient feels safe to express their needs and concerns without feeling judged.
Discover the value of flexibility
Cancer treatment can be unpredictable and plans may change frequently. So yes, maintaining order and routines will be vital, but so will your willingness to adapt to the needs of the moment. Keep in mind that there will be surprises, that the patient's mood will change, that there will be times when you will have to improvise and that things will not always go as you expect. Understanding that this is part of the process will give you peace of mind.
Caring is a decision, don't romanticize it
Caring for a person with cancer is a conscious and challenging choice. It is crucial to recognize that not everyone is prepared for this role and you should not feel guilty for asking for help. Do not idealize the role of caregiver; accept that there will be moments of frustration and exhaustion. Seek emotional and professional support when you need it, whether through support groups, therapy, or talking to friends and family. Recognizing that caregiving is a choice will help you approach this responsibility in a balanced and healthy way, respecting your own boundaries and needs.
Team up with professionals
Working closely with the healthcare professionals who care for the patient is essential. Make sure to attend medical appointments, take notes, and ask questions. Doctors and specialists can offer you specific, personalized guidance on how to handle certain aspects of caregiving. Plus, having the support and knowledge of these professionals will give you peace of mind that you are providing the best care possible.
Also for you: The importance of psychological care in cancer
When you take care of yourself, you also care: 10 self-care tips
If you are a caregiver for someone with cancer, there are many things you can do for yourself to ease the daily grind and provide the best support possible. Remember that right now, taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. By staying healthy and emotionally balanced, you will be better able to provide the support and care your loved one needs.
Check out these 10 self-care tips that can be very helpful:
Make time for yourself: Take time out of the day to do activities that you enjoy and that relax you, such as reading an exciting story, watching a series you like, taking a walk or listening to music. This will give you a physical and mental break that can help you reset.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and recognize your limits, both towards the patient you care for and towards the other family members who help you with the work. Remember that it is important to ask for help when you need it.
Eat well: A healthy, balanced diet will provide you with the energy and nutrients you need to cope with your day-to-day life. It's important to repeat this as often as necessary: only if you are healthy will you be able to care for others properly.
Get enough sleep: Make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep a night so that your body and mind can recover. It may sound unrealistic, especially if you don't have a replacement or little support for your caregiving duties, but if possible, try to take care of your sleep and rest routine, which will allow you to care better.
Get moving: Regular physical activity not only improves your physical health, but can also help reduce stress and improve your mood. Do you find it difficult? Get the patient involved and do it together! Or if they are physically unable to do so, ask them for help, for example, to count your repetitions. It will be a fun activity that you can share while you care for yourself.
Seek emotional support: talk to friends, family or support groups about your feelings and experiences. Sharing your thoughts can ease the emotional burden.
Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing, for example, can help you reduce stress and improve your emotional well-being. It is also an activity that you can share with the patient and can be very rewarding for both of you.
Seek help from mental health professionals: Don't hesitate to seek help from professionals, such as psychologists or counselors, if you feel that stress or anxiety is overwhelming.
Organize your time: Planning and organizing your daily tasks can help you feel more in control and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Allow yourself to stop: Don't feel guilty about taking breaks. It is vital that you regain energy so that you can continue to care for your loved one effectively.
Family support from the clinic: This is how we do it in Astorga
At the Astorga Clinic we know that caring for a person with cancer is a collective task, which is why we guarantee comprehensive care, from the moment of diagnosis and throughout all stages of treatment.
Our staff is highly trained to address all the questions and requirements of our patients' loved ones and we strive to be their main support, working as a team, always with the ultimate goal of well-being.
We provide comprehensive advice regarding treatment and care options, we have the best facilities and technology, and we take into account the peace of mind and mental health of patients and families.
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