(NC) Becoming a caregiver for someone living with a serious illness can be challenging. You may find yourself taking on a number of new responsibilities, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. But, being a caregiver can be manageable. Here are five tips to help you get started.
Understand the illness and what comes next. Have conversations with the person you are caring for and with their care team. Ask questions to understand the treatment plan, what health and social supports are available and where your help may be needed. Reach out to illness-specific organizations in your community and seek information from credible medical websites. Join support groups to connect with others who are going through a similar experience, gaining insights and advice from those that have been where you are.
Seek outside support. Don’t try to do everything on your own, the patient’s care team can connect you to outside supports. A palliative approach to care can help alleviate fatigue you may be feeling. You and the person you are caring for can receive help from community volunteers, social workers and personal support workers who can visit regularly or as needed. It can also help improve quality of life while reducing stress for everyone and can provide valuable resources for caregivers.
Communicate often. Be sure to ask the person you are caring for what they want and have open conversations about what is most important to them. Find out if they have an advance care plan or someone to make decisions for them if needed – especially when it comes to treatment, living situations and finances. Make sure they understand your needs and you understand theirs in this new dynamic.
Find grief support. Caring for someone living with a serious illness can bring many emotions, including grief. You might feel it as their health changes, as your role in the relationship shifts, or as you think about the future. Grief support can help throughout different stages of caregiving as well as after a loss.
Take care of yourself. Caregivers may experience burnout. It is important to take steps to prevent it. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep, eat well and take time to do something you enjoy once a day. Staying connected with others is also very important. Getting outside help can make it easier to take time for yourself and recharge.
While you may feel overwhelmed in the beginning, with a little time, patience, and help from others, you can re-learn how to find joy and meaning in life while supporting someone in their journey with serious illness.
Learn more at canada.ca/palliative-care.
