Caring for a Loved One Diagnosed With Cancer

The team at Qualicare understands how difficult it can be—both physically and emotionally—when your aging loved one is diagnosed with cancer. The tasks involved can be overwhelming, which is why we want you to know that our team is always here to help you care for your loved one. We have a few tips for those of you dealing with this particular situation.

Become a Successful Caregiver

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1,688,780 people living in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer this year. If your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, there are some ways you can help make things as easy as possible on both you and on your loved one.

Start by making a list of all the to-do items that need to be taken care of on a regular basis. Take that list and divide out the responsibilities. Everything should not fall on your shoulders. Caregiver stress is real, and while you may not be able to avoid experiencing stress while caring for your loved one, you can try to cut out some of the stress by passing along responsibilities to others.

Second, plan ahead for certain scenarios, such as your loved one requiring emergency care. This can help you gain a sense of control when there is sometimes none. Create contingency plans for when things happen so that when an emergency occurs, you’re prepared. That’s one less thing to stress about.

Also, know yourself and your limits. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from us. Our professional and compassionate staff is here to help with meals, daily activities, transportation and more! We can be your shoulder to lean on and an advocate for your loved one’s health. Don’t handle everything on your own, especially when you don’t have to.

Remember, caregiving is a team effort—and you don’t have to go at it alone. Qualicare is here to help each person in the family and offer support and strength during your times of need. Visit our website to learn how we can help better care for you and your loved one.