June 5, 2023
We can help you navigate supporting a loved one who was diagnosed with cancer.
Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing occurrence, and having a strong support system is invaluable. When someone you love is going through treatment for cancer, you might feel unclear about how to best assist the person without overstepping boundaries or causing them to feel uncomfortable for any reason. How can you better help someone you love who’s been diagnosed with cancer? Our aging care experts have some guidelines to get you started.
- Offer appropriate meals. The treatment for cancer, like radiation or chemotherapy, can cause extreme exhaustion, so preparing meals can be a challenge. These kinds of treatments can also impact how food tastes. Ask the person what foods might be appetizing, and then prepare meals for them accordingly. Realize that it may take some trial and error to find what is most palatable.
- Find out exactly what the person needs. Often, a person with cancer or any other chronic condition will hear from well-meaning family and friends, “Tell me if you need anything!” It’s then up to the person struggling with their diagnosis to figure out what’s needed, and to follow up with 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 need help with doing dishes, laundry, and vacuuming, while another day they may really need some healthy meals prepared or just someone to talk to for a welcome distraction.
- Be an advocate. Help the person diagnosed with cancer organize their concerns and questions before their next doctor’s appointment. If they wish, attend the appointment with them and help make sure each issue is addressed.
- Be there. Simply being available to listen, talk, and even laugh with the person when appropriate can be beneficial to someone who wants to live their life as normally as possible in spite of their diagnosis.
- Learn as much as you can. Educate yourself on the form of cancer the person has been diagnosed with to better comprehend what they are facing. Search online for trusted sources like Johns Hopkins or the Mayo Clinic.
As the expert provider of home care in St. Louis, Kirkwood, Clayton, and the surrounding areas, Continuum is here to help those diagnosed with cancer live more comfortable lives at home. Call us at 314-863-9912 or contact us online for more information and resources, or to request a free in-home meeting to find out more about how we can help with our home care services in St. Louis and the nearby areas.