Caregiving for a Loved One
Helping You Help the Patient
As you probably know, caregiving can be a challenging task. A key part of your role is to help identify and address medical symptoms or complications by using the appropriate resources, which means you have to be as informed about the diagnosis and treatment as the patient.
A go-to support network and resource hub, the Biller Patient and Family Resource Center integrates all support services under one umbrella.
Caregivers Connect Support Group
An important thing to understand if you are a caregiver is that you’re not alone. Being a caregiver can feel lonely, but you are not alone. In the U.S., there are approximately 52 million of us providing care to a family member or friend.
Family caregivers and friends are encouraged to attend the Caregivers Connect group at City of Hope, now offered virtually. This supportive group meets virtually every second and fourth Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. It is open to the community members caring for loved ones with cancer.
For more information, please email caregiversconnect@coh.org.
The group’s purpose
This 90-minute group provides a comfortable virtual space for caregivers to:
- Relax
- Learn stress-reduction techniques
- Most of all, connect with and support each other
Who it’s for
- The group is open to all caregivers and community members.
- It includes all diagnoses of cancer.
- It is for inpatients and outpatients.
Financial and Legal Resources
See the patient's financial resources available to help you provide caregiver support.
Caregivers may qualify for family leave benefits and disability insurance through the state and Social Security.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about your well-being but about how that can translate into better care for your patient. So set time aside to relax, enjoy fun activities, connect with others or do whatever helps you feel like you’re maintaining your personal balance and recharging your emotional and physical batteries.
If you’re a caregiver, knowing where you are in the seven stages of caregiving can help you better understand where you might need help.
By not realizing how big a burden they’re shouldering, caregivers may not understand the stress they’re under or recognize the anxiety and depression their stress can cause.
Understanding your rights to the feelings you’ll likely experience plays a crucial part in coping with the situation at hand.
Sometimes, patients diagnosed with cancer may find it hard to ask for help or even talk about their disease. How can you know if the patient is having trouble?
Supportive Care Resources
In addition to the extensive resources City of Hope offers directly to caregivers, outside organizations and resources provide valuable services to those entrusted with helping patients through their cancer experience.