Coping for Caregivers

Tips for the Caregiver | Support for Caregivers | Basic Responsibilities of the Caregiver | Advanced Care at the End of Life

When you’re spending all your time caring for someone else, you’re likely to ignore the things that make you the steadfast, reliable person everyone loves; the one who’s willing to spend his/her time taking care of someone else’s needs.  Below are some tips for maintaining your sanity, therefore assuring that you’re providing your loved one with the best possible care.

Staying Organized

Everything goes more smoothly when you have a plan.  Consult your spouse and/or children and ask them to help take up the slack when you’re out of the house.  Organize a particular time to shop, do the laundry, and cook meals (freeze some for extra convenience).  While emergencies or other problems may emerge that alter your well-organized plans, try to stick to them as closely as possible.

Take Care of Yourself

To be an efficient and loving caregiver, you’ll need to tend to your own health needs as well.  Schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately if you feel sick.  (Remember, this is important to the cancer patient as well because their immune system is likely compromised.) Eat a balanced diet, even if your patient is not eating properly.  Drink plenty of fluids, and while exercise may be the furthest thing from your mind, you’ll find that you feel better if you fit about 15 minutes of exercise into your schedule each day.  That may involve something as simple as walking to the pharmacy instead of driving there.

Organize a Support System

Face it.  You can’t do everything nor should you.  Make a list of individuals you can call on for certain tasks.  Friends and family members will probably be more than willing to sit with the patient when needed, cook a meal every now and then, or run some last minute errands.

Get Help When you Need It

Caring for a terminally ill person is mentally as well as physically draining.  You will certainly be psychologically affected by your role as caregiver to a mesothelioma patient.  The key is to seek help as soon as you are feeling overwhelmed, before deep depression, anxiety, stress, or anger sets in.   If you’re suffering from any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a counselor or clergyperson.

• Sleeplessness
• Excessive irritability
• Anxiety
• Anti-social behavior
• Crying for no reason
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Overwhelming sadness
• Chronic illness (i.e. a cold that won’t go away)
• Change in appetite or dramatic weight loss
• Thoughts of suicide
• Memory problems
• Excessive anger directed towards others, including the patient