Being given a diagnosis of cancer is life-changing, and making sure you have a network of support is vital. When somebody you love is undergoing treatment for cancer, you may feel unclear about how to best help the person without overstepping boundaries or making them feel uncomfortable for any reason. To help, our experts at Compassionate Care Home Health Services share recommendations for supporting a loved one with cancer.
- Be present. Simply being present to talk, listen, and even laugh with the person when appropriate can be helpful to somebody who wants to live life as normally as possible in the face of their diagnosis.
- Offer appropriate meals. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can bring about exhaustion, so preparing meals can be difficult. These types of treatments can also affect how food tastes. Ask the person what foods might be appealing, and then make meals for them accordingly. Realize that it may take some trial and error to discover what is most palatable.
- Advocate. Help the person organize any questions and concerns prior to their next doctor’s appointment. If they wish, attend the appointment with them and help make sure each issue is addressed.
- Ask to find out precisely what they need. Oftentimes, a person with cancer or another chronic health condition will hear from well-intended family and friends, “Tell me if you need anything!” It’s then up to the person with the diagnosis to figure out what’s needed, and to contact those who offered with ways to help. You can be proactive and find out exactly what will most help the person. On one day, they may want help with doing dishes, laundry, and vacuuming, while another day they may really benefit from some healthy meals prepared or simply someone to talk to for a welcome distraction.
- Learn as much as you can. Educate yourself on the type of cancer the person has been diagnosed with to better understand what they are going through. Look online for trusted sources such as Johns Hopkins or the Mayo Clinic.
As the leading provider of home care in Cadillac, Saginaw, West Branch, and the surrounding areas in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Compassionate Care Home Health Services is here to help those with cancer live more comfortable lives at home. Contact us at 877.308.1212 for more information and resources, or to request a free in-home consultation to find out the many ways we can help.