Recently, I have heard a lot about caring for the caregiver. Often in my line of work the focus is on the person suffering from mesothelioma,
lung cancer, or other asbestos-related disease. Sometimes we need to be reminded the caregivers need attention and support too. Below are a few caregiver tips:
- Be realistic about this disease and it's process. Mesothelioma is different than other cancers and the process is different in each patient.
- Set realistic goals for yourself and accept help from others.
- Find someone you trust to talk about your feelings and frustrations
with. Share your experience of caring for someone with mesothelioma and
what that means to you.
- Allow yourself time spent away from your loved one. You need a break too.
- Remember taking care of yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.
Talking to and sharing with other caregivers can be helpful because they are dealing with similar issues first hand. Other caregivers can share what has worked for them. You can incorporate their ideas and your own into your own coping strategies. In a past blog I listed the Caregiver's Bill of Rights - I think reading them is a good reminder to take care of your needs as a caregiver. You can also find more information on the Caregiver Tips page of this website and on the
Caring for the Caregiver page at the National Cancer Institute website.