Caregiving
For family and friends supporting someone with cancer
A caregiver is someone who provides physical and emotional care to someone with cancer. Caregivers, who provide care at home, are usually the partner or spouse, parent, adult child, or close friend of the person with cancer.
Caregiving can be rewarding. It can also be hard and stressful. It is important to take care of yourself so that you can better care for your loved one with cancer.
We can help you find information and support from trusted resources.
Where to find information and support
Caregiving (Canadian Cancer Society)
Family Caregiving (Health Experiences)
Caregivers and Family (American Cancer Society)
Living Life to the Full for Caregivers 55+ (Canadian Mental Health Association)
Odette Patient and Family Support
Cancer Connection (Canadian Cancer Society)
Caregiver Support (Better Living Health and Community Services)
Caregiver Support Group (Gilda’s Club)
Caregiver Support Group (Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre)
Quick tips and strategies
Caregiving can be a very intense and tiring job. While you’re caregiving – along with everything else you have to do every day – you may forget to take care of yourself. But it’s very important to make sure that you take time for yourself. Caregivers who take care of their own needs and get the information, help and support they need are better able to take care of their loved one with cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society has listed some ways to help you better manage caregiver stress.
- stay healthy
- ask for help, and accept help from others
- share your feelings
- take a break
Original article: https://cancer.ca/en/living-with-cancer/helping-someone-with-cancer/caregiving/taking-care-of-yourself
Additional information
While this information may be useful, it is intended for educational purposes only. Please continue to ask your health care team if you have questions or concerns. For any other inquiries, please contact us at patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca.
