We understand how important you are to the treatment experience of your friend or loved one. We want you to know that throughout the entire process, we are here for you, too.
We understand how important you are to the treatment experience of your friend or loved one. We want you to know that throughout the entire process, we are here for you, too.
The first thing to do is to put together a schedule that shows when you will need to accompany your friend or loved one to and from appointments.
Create a contact list with your phone numbers and e-mail information as well as that of any secondary caregivers so that it is all in one place and easy to read. If the patient has a cell phone, make sure your numbers are entered in its Contacts listing.
It is also important to give your contact information to the 21st Century Oncology Treatment Team – especially to the Nurse who is primarily responsible for coordinating care.
Going through radiation treatment involves a lot of detailed information. There are appointments to keep, prescriptions to fill and instructions to follow along the way. As an extra set of eyes and ears, you can help keep it all straight.
It is natural to go through emotional ups and downs during treatment. Doing what you can to help the patient stay positive is very important, not only for their emotional well-being, but because they will be more likely to follow instructions, eat well and better manage any potential side effects. Here are some simple cancer tips about what you can do to provide emotional support.
Dealing with paperwork and insurance claims is a common cause of anxiety. By lending a hand and helping to organize treatment documentation and insurance information, you can reduce a lot of worry and stress.
Three particularly helpful resources for caregivers are:
At 21st Century Oncology, we understand just how much responsibility cancer patient caregivers must deal with on a daily basis. It goes without saying that you will have to balance these new responsibilities with the rest of your life. Be prepared to give yourself breaks during the treatment so you can recharge your own batteries. If possible, see if there is someone else who will cover for you in case you need backup.
Call us, e-mail us, lean on us whenever you need to. No question is too small. Every caregiver is treated with respect and professionalism. We would not have it any other way.