Support for Caregivers

Your Guide to Better Caregiving

Caregiving is a labor of love, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide helps you stay empowered and supported at every stage of your loved one’s journey.

Facing a New Reality

A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for both the patient and caregiver. Feelings of shock, fear, and uncertainty are normal. As a caregiver, it’s important to allow yourself time to process and adjust to your new role. The journey ahead will require patience, strength, and support—but you are not alone.

Identify immediate needs and resources.

Communicate openly with your loved one.

Begin preparation for the road ahead.

Core Areas of Caregiving

Caregiving is complex. These core areas will help guide you through the most critical phases.

1. Before Treatment:
Understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and how to prepare for the journey ahead.
2. During Treatment:
Learn how to navigate hospitals, support your loved one, and stay organized.
3. After Treatment:
Continue providing care as your loved one heals and adjust to your new normal.

Supporting Your Loved One and Yourself

Emotional Support

Caregiving is complex. These core areas will help guide you through the most critical phases:

Keep a regular routine to give your loved one a sense of normalcy.
Stay positive and engage with them during treatments or appointments.
Join support groups to share experiences with others who understand your situation.

Caregiving is complex. These core areas will help guide you through the most critical phases:

Keep a regular routine to give your loved one a sense of normalcy.
Stay positive and engage with them during treatments or appointments.
Join support groups to share experiences with others who understand your situation.

Physical Support

Caring for a patient often involves hands-on tasks. These tips can help you manage physical care more effectively:

Keep a regular routine to give your loved one a sense of normalcy.
Stay positive and engage with them during treatments or appointments.
Join support groups to share experiences with others who understand your situation.

Physical Support

Caring for a patient often involves hands-on tasks. These tips can help you manage physical care more effectively:

Keep a regular routine to give your loved one a sense of normalcy.
Stay positive and engage with them during treatments or appointments.
Join support groups to share experiences with others who understand your situation.

Organizing Finances and Medical Information

1. Financial Preparedness:
Understand the financial implications of treatment, including insurance coverage and available government schemes. Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the financial burden.
2. Medical Organization:
Create a system to track medications, appointments, and treatments. Keep all important documents, prescriptions, and emergency contacts easily accessible.
3. Administrative Support:
Stay organized by filing paperwork and keeping a shared calendar of medical tasks. Ask friends or family for help when needed.

Taking Care of Yourself

You cannot care for your loved one if you are burned out. Remember that self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. Eat healthy, exercise, and seek mental health support when needed. Accept help from others and give yourself permission to rest.

Self-Care Tips

Understand the financial implications of treatment, including insurance coverage and available government schemes. Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the financial burden.

Stay on top of your own health appointments and needs.
Take breaks when you feel overwhelmed.
Engage in daily activities that bring you joy, even if it’s something small.

You Are Not Alone in This Journey

Whether you’re just starting or have been caregiving for years, there are resources and people to support you. From support groups to helpful tools, we’ve got you covered.

Download The Caregivers' Handbook