Caregiving Table of Contents
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This section provides an overview of the core elements of caregiving for family caregivers and of the key concerns that come with this responsibility. The information here is not intended to replace the help, training and information available from health care professionals with experience in caregiving for those with cancer. Your health care team has experts in many aspects of caregiving, and you should plan to make full use of the expertise and advice available to you.
You are not alone. Family members form the core of hands-on caregiving in the United States — not, as many think, private and government agencies. The American Cancer Society defines family caregivers as those who continue with their regular daily responsibilities, plus becoming an extension of a person's cancer treatment team by frequently talking with health care providers, administering medication, and assessing treatment.
Caregiving is difficult, if rewarding work, and it can have an impact on your physical, emotional and even financial well-being. This, in turn, can impact your ability to help your loved one. There are many things you can do to help yourself, and these are discussed in our Caring for the Caregiver section of the Cancer Survival Toolbox® — including making time for your own needs, organizing people to help, and taking advantage of opportunities to learn as much as you can about effective caregiving. If possible, take time now to learn what you can about the task before you, rather than waiting until you are exhausted and overburdened. The techniques, advice and ideas of others can assist you.
Also, keep in mind that caregiving does not have to always be viewed as just plain hard work. Many caregivers talk about the satisfaction and even pleasure of caring for a loved one, about growing closer than before, about knowing they are valued and needed.
