Page 143 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook
P. 143
AFTER TREATMENT: Emotions after Cancer Treatment 2
“Survivorship means to me that there is life continuously, all the time.” — ALECIA H.
Comfort care finds ways to: THE CAREGIVER ROLE
• Relieve suffering and provide support
for the survivor Being a caregiver for a loved one who has advanced
• Prevent, evaluate and treat pain cancer may be very different than caring for some-
• Address other physical, emotional and one who has a chronic (or ongoing) illness. A person
spiritual concerns with advanced cancer usually has a variety of symp-
• Respect the cycle of life including end of life toms and needs that caregivers try to manage. In
• Assist with grief issues most cases, the needs of a loved one in hospice are
expected to increase slowly over time.
Managing pain is very important. It affects qual-
ity of life. The National Hospice and Palliative Caregivers may be involved in activities such as:
Care Organization offers information about pain Physical care
management, hospice care and caregiving. Call
703.837.1500 or visit nhpco.org. • Organizing and giving medication
• Monitoring symptoms and discussing
PLANNING FOR END-OF-LIFE
AND HOSPICE CARE treatments with loved ones
and hospice staff
Sometimes it is necessary to plan for end-of-life care. • Providing assistance with personal care
Start by talking with loved ones about preferences.
Let your health care team know if there is no one Emotional care
who can act as a primary caregiver. A social worker • Listening, talking, reading or playing music
can help arrange for the best level of end-of-life care. • Providing companionship and love
• Helping loved ones and friends under-
Include the following while planning for care stand what is needed
near the end of life:
Practical care
Living arrangements • Handling insurance and other
Consider options for living arrangements. Think financial matters
about comfort and trust issues. Care might be • Paying bills
provided in your own home or that of a loved • Coordinating communication and visits
one. Other options might be an assisted living from loved ones, friends and hospice staff
facility, nursing home or hospice program. • Making certain that last wishes are
carried out
Caregivers Talk with loved ones about
Caregivers may be loved ones, friends or end-of-life planning:
professionals brought in to help. Consider
when and how caregivers will be found. Identify Get planning help from your health care
whom could help with daily care needs. Needs team members.
might include bathing, dressing, feeding and
assistance going to the bathroom. Caregivers Identify living arrangements where care can
must be trustworthy and dependable. There be provided.
must be someone to cover all of the times when
care will be needed. Consider when and how caregivers will be found.
Look into advance directives for health care.
Learn about hospice care.
Seek support to deal with grief and loss issues.
143
www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp
