When someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer, it’s easy to feel hopeless. It’s such a frightening disease that many people can’t face thinking about it. However, you can help your loved one fight their illness and live a healthy life by offering your support. Of course, trying to balance a career, family life, and your loved one’s illness is a huge challenge. Here, you’ll find some advice on how to tackle it.
Train to Adjust
The path of cancer treatment is not always straightforward or predictable. There may be times when your loved one hardly needs your help at all and other times when they rely on your care. The key is to prepare for this uncertainty. Learning to reevaluate priorities and be adaptable will make it easier to provide the care that your loved one needs.
Take an Interest and Ask What They Need
A cancer diagnosis can feel like a lonely time. By taking an active interest in your loved one’s care plan, you’ll be in a better position to support them and alleviate some of the pressure. They may feel overwhelmed by the road ahead and unable to clearly envision their next steps.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, for example, patients have a variety of treatment options available to them based on their unique medical circumstances. While this increases a patient’s chances of successful treatment, it can be difficult to absorb alone. Ask if your loved one would like you to attend appointments with them. They may find it useful to have someone else who can ask questions and take notes if necessary.
Communicate with Your Employer
Maintaining a work pattern can become a challenge while caring for someone with cancer. It’s important to be honest about your situation with your employer so they can offer more flexible solutions. Some employers have employee benefit schemes designed to help caregivers take paid leave as needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need to make your life easier. This might be adjusted working hours or the opportunity to work remotely on occasion.
Create a Family Structure
Being a caregiver for someone with cancer makes it more difficult to look after children and other dependents. Look for help within your family and friend circle as well as external sources such as support groups. Apart from reaching out for assistance, it’s also useful to adopt a regular routine throughout the week, especially with younger children. This will help you to manage your caregiving responsibilities alongside your family duties.
Make Time for Yourself
Seeing someone you love having to face cancer is emotionally draining. Being a caregiver while trying to manage other aspects of life is additionally exhausting. Schedule periods of self-care to recover from the stress and keep yourself strong.
Facing the hardship of a loved one with cancer is challenging enough without also having to worry about work and family responsibilities. Fortunately, it’s possible to restructure your lifestyle to accommodate for caregiving. It requires planning, communication, and a willingness to ask for help. By approaching this obstacle with a hopeful outlook, you can provide care to your loved one without compromising other aspects of your life.
