Mt. Gilead, OH – Elder Care Strategies to Help Care for a Parent With Cancer
Of all the medical conditions, nothing causes more fear than cancer. While many victims survive cancer, it is still often considered a fatal diagnosis. It can be challenging to deal with a parent who is suffering from cancer. It can also be devastating for you, since children tend to think of their parents as invincible. Fortunately, there are ways to ease the fright so you and your loved one can battle through this obstacle together.
One thing you can do is have a nurse come to the home and take vital signs or administer IV medications rather than having to drive to the hospital every week or so. This will hopefully ease some of your loved one’s anxiety.
Keep your parent’s mind off of the cancer diagnosis by offering distractions. If your loved one is undergoing chemo, buy some books or movies to help pass the time. You can even try pampering him or her with a massage. You could treat your mom to a manicure. Hire a housekeeper to help out with household tasks so your parents can relax and not have to incur additional stress during this time.
When you attend doctor appointments with your loved one, be sure to take detailed notes. Each visit can be too much to take in and you don’t want to forget anything. Be sure to ask the doctor about goals and next steps. You should also ask about potential side effects of any medications or treatments.
If you have siblings and other close loved ones, allow them to express their emotions in their own way. Some people keep their feelings inside, while others need to express theirs more vocally. Be patient and support each other instead of stressing out your parents.
It may be helpful to read stories about others who have been stricken with cancer and survived. You can easily find blogs and other stories online. These can offer encouragement when your parent is struggling with bad days and hopefully they will inspire him or her to keep fighting.
When things get overwhelming, take a break. Don’t feel guilty about having an elderly health care provider come by a few times a week and help your loved one with various tasks. Caregiving can be emotionally draining and it’s important that you take time to recharge every now and then.
If you are considering hiring elder care services near Mt. Gilead, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Ashland, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Loudonville, Mt. Gilead, Shelby, Wooster and the surrounding areas.
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