Help for the Caregiver.doc

8/12/2019 Help for the Caregiver.doc

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Help for the Caregiver

Key Points for This Section

Caregivers have a very hard job and it's normal to need help.

Support services can be chosen to help where the caregiver needs it.

o Education and Information

o Coping Skills

o Counseling

o Family eetings

o !ome Care !elp

o !ospice Care for the Cancer "atient

Caregivers have a very hard job and it's normal to need help.

#lthoughcaregiverassessments are used to plan support for the family caregiver$ they are

not always done. It's important for caregivers to ask for help when they need it. any people

who were once caregivers say they did too much on their own. Some wished that they had

asked for help sooner. %he best time to find out where to get help is when the patient

isdiagnosedwithcancer. #ll through caregiving$ it&s important to watch for signs of caregiver

strain and get help right away. Caregivers who take care of their own needs have the

strength to carry on and be a better caregiver.

Support services can be chosen to help where the caregiver needsit.

Support for the caregiver may include education and information$ coping

skills$counselingandpsychotherapy$ family meetings$ home care help$ and hospicecare.

ducation and !nformation

Family caregivers usually have many uestions and feel unsure about some things when

they begin caregiving. Information and education can help caregivers feel less stressed and

more comfortable in their role. "rograms that introduce patients and their caregivers to new

cancer facilities and services may help.

Since cancer treatment can last for a long time and the disease goes through many

changes$ the kind of information caregivers need changes over time. Important times for the

caregiver to receive information include the following(

#t diagnosis.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint29http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint30http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint31http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint32http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint33http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint34http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint35http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint36http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint36http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=648947&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=648947&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46450&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46450&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45333&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45333&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450097&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450097&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450098&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450098&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450116&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44182&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46450&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint29http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint30http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint31http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint32http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint33http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint34http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint35http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/patient/page6#Keypoint36http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=648947&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46450&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45333&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450097&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450097&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450098&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450116&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44182&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46450&version=Patient&language=English


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)hen the patient is in the hospital.

)hen care at home begins.

#t the start of new treatments.

If the cancer recurs*comes back+.

#t the end of life.

%here are many ways caregivers can get information(

Call a cancer information specialist at ,-//-0-C#1CE2 *,-//-033-4356+.

Search the Internet.

#sk uestions.

2ead booklets$ pamphlets$ fact sheets$ and information cards.

7se touch-screen and other computer information systems at hospitals and doctor

offices.

8earn from 9:9s that teach caregiving skills.

Caregivers often want to know facts about the cancer$ caregiving skills$ and how to

manage symptomsand side effects.

"acts about the cancer

o !ow the cancer will change over time.

o Symptoms the patient may have.

o )hat the treatments may be.

o Side effects that may be caused by the cancer or the treatments.

#hat the caregiver is e$pected to do

Caregivers report that they learn most of their caregiving skills by trial and error and would

like more information from the health care team. oving the patient safely and decreasing

the risk of falls are skills caregivers say are the most difficult. Some of the skills caregivers

may need to learn are(

o !ow to move the patient.

o !ow to help the patient walk.

o !ow to place pillows to make the patient comfortable.

o !ow to give medicinesand treatments.

o )hat to do in medical emergencies.

o !ow to solve problems.
http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46556&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45022&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46580&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46580&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=482419&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46556&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45022&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46580&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=482419&version=Patient&language=English


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o !ow to take care of themselves.

any caregivers also want to know about getting outside help to care for the patient at

home.

How to manage symptoms and side effects

)hen the caregiver is trained in how to help the patient manage side effects of treatment

and symptoms such as pain andfatigue$ the patient is more likely to have the energy and

will to continue with treatment.

"ain is a symptom that is a serious concern for cancer patients and for their caregivers.

ost family caregivers know little about pain and how to manage it. For pain to be controlled

well$ the patient needs to receive the pain medicines asprescribedby the doctor. #

caregiver's knowledge and beliefs about pain medicine may affect the patient's pain relief. #

caregiver who is afraid the patient will become addicted or take an overdose may give the

patient too little pain medicine. )hen the caregiver knows the facts about pain medicines

and the right way to use them$ the patient is more likely to have better pain control. %he

caregiver can talk to a doctor who is e;pert in treating pain and get the information and

emotional help he or she needs to control the patient's pain.

Caregivers may need to learn the following(

o )hat medicines to use and how and when to give them.

o !ow to tell if a medicine is working and common side effects of the

medicine.

o !ow to know when the medicine is causing side effects.

%he health care team also can help caregivers learn ways to manage symptoms without

medicine$ including the following(

o assage.

o !ot or cold compresses *pads placed against the skin+.

o !elping the patient use his or her energy wisely.

o 2est and rela;ation.

o 9istraction*taking the patient's attention away from the symptom+.

See the "9


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1ausea$vomiting$ anore;ia$andcache;ia=See the "9< summaries on 1ausea

and :omitingand1utrition in Cancer Care.

#n;iety$ mooddisorder$and depression=See the "9< summaries on#djustment

to Cancer( #n;iety and 9istress$ and9epression.

Coping S%ills

Caregivers can receive support from programs that teach them ways tocope with

caregiving stress. %hese programs give information$ improve caregiving skills$ and help

caregivers feel in control and more hopeful. Some programs train on one topic$ such as

teaching the caregiver how to solve problems or manage patient symptoms$ like pain. >ther

programs train the caregiver in several areas of caregiving$ and these types of programs

may help caregivers feel better overall. %alk to a member of your health care team or call

your local hospital to see if these programs are offered in your area.

>ne program called C>"E *which stands for Creativity$ >ptimism$ "lanning$ and E;pert

information+ trains caregivers in how to solve difficult caregiving problems$ make plans fortheir individual situations$ and feel more positive. %his program has been shown to decrease

stress in some caregivers.

%he Family Caregiver Cancer Education "rogram teaches caregivers how to manage

symptoms$ communicate better$ manage roles$ relationships$ and finances$ and take care of

themselves. Caregivers have more confidence and feel they learned useful information after

taking this program. >ver time$ they report feeling healthier.

%raining in specific skills helps improve uality of lifefor many caregivers. "rograms that

offer caregiver training bynurseswho visit the home have worked very well. %hese nurses

prepare patients and caregivers for changes in the level of care$ teach them communicationskills$ visit patients at home$ and make sure care continues all through the different phases

of treatment.

Counseling

Counseling helps caregivers deal with the emotions that come with the demands of

caregiving. %he health care team can recommend support groupsor refer caregivers

to mental healthprofessionals. %his kind of support may lessen an;iety and depression and

help the caregiver feel more positive$ more able to cope$ and that they have control over the

situation.

"amily &eetings

)hen taking care of a cancer patient$ family members need to work together. %here may be

problems and conflicts in some families$ and the stress of caring for a relative with cancer

can bring up old issues or make new ones. %hese conflicts may cause communication

problems within the family and with the health care team. )hen there are conflicts like this$ it

may help to have family meetings with the health care team.
http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=390302&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=390302&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=390324&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44103&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44103&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44108&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44108&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nausea/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nausea/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nausea/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=430405&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=407758&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=407758&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=407758&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=430479&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/adjustment/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/adjustment/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/depression/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/depression/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=454700&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450122&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/intervention/cope.aspxhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45417&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45417&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=269445&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=269445&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45917&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=441253&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/global/web/policies/exithttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=390302&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=390324&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44103&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44108&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nausea/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nausea/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=430405&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=407758&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=430479&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/adjustment/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/adjustment/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/depression/Patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=454700&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=450122&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/intervention/cope.aspxhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45417&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=269445&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45917&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=441253&version=Patient&language=English


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9uring a family meeting$ the whole family talks with the health care team. Family meetings

help the health care team and the caregivers connect and work together. It is important to

include the family spokesperson and all caregivers. )hile everyone may be trying to do what

they think is best for the patient$ family members may disagree about what this means.

9uring family meetings$ family members can talk about how they feel or decide what kind of

help they can give. Each person may have certain skills to offer. Family meetings may alsohelp with the following(

Identify caregivers' concerns.

?ive clear information about treatment.

ake it easier to make decisions about treatment choices and about care at the end

of life.

ake sure the caregivers know that symptoms and side effects will be controlled.

ake sure that caregivers know that the wishes of the patient are being considered.

Family meetings are most helpful when(

%here is a clear list of what is going to be discussed.

# member of the health care teams acts as the meeting leader.

Family members and caregivers are given the chance to ask uestions and discuss

concerns.

Family members and caregivers are free to talk about painful emotions and receive

the help of trained professionals who care about them.

#t the end of the meeting$ the health care team may go over what was decided and plan thene;t steps.

See the "9< summary onCommunication in Cancer Carefor more information about

communication.

Home Care Help

!ome care services for the cancer patient also give the caregiver support. State or local

health departments usually have a list of licensed home care agencies. Some of the services

that home care agencies provide include the following(

:isits from nurses$ aides$ therapists$ and social workers.

!elp with running errands$ making meals$ and bathing.

9elivery of medicine.

7se of medical euipment.

Hospice Care for the Cancer Patient
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/communication/patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/communication/patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44730&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/communication/patienthttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44730&version=Patient&language=English


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!ospice care is given to patients who are near the end of life and are no longer being treated

to cureor control their cancer. %he goal of hospice is to help patients live each day to the

fullest by making them comfortable and relieving their symptoms. Family caregivers may

need more training and advice to feel comfortable doing what&s needed to care for the

patient during the final stagesof cancer. %he family caregiver often feels as much

emotionaldistressas the patient does during this time. # hospice care team helps with theemotional$ social$ andspiritualneeds of patients$ caregivers$ and families.
http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=318813&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45885&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45885&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=454701&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=454701&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=441265&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=441265&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=318813&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45885&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=454701&version=Patient&language=Englishhttp://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=441265&version=Patient&language=English

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