Providing care to a person with cancer is an enormous responsibility, and it is common for caregivers to discover that they cannot physically or emotionally handle all of the necessary caregiving tasks on their own. If you feel overwhelmed, consider exploring new caregiving options that can help make your responsibilities more manageable. It is important to recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By asking for help, you will ensure that the person with cancer continues to receive effective care and that you have time to take care of your own health and well-being.

Professional caregiving resources

Consider hiring medical and non-medical professionals who can help you provide high quality care to a person with cancer.

Medical professionals. These professionals can be part of an agency or local business, or may work independently. They typically help with medical responsibilities that families are not able to perform, or are uncomfortable performing. Some health care providers, such as registered oncology nurses, can provide services such as wound care, administration of medications and chemotherapy, hydration and nutrition, and pain management. Home health care aides can handle less complex medical issues, such as checking a patient’s temperature and blood pressure.

A wide range of other health care professionals, such as physical therapists (health care professionals who treat disorders or injuries that affect motion) and occupational therapists (health care professionals who teach people ways to do daily tasks) can also come to the home.

Non-medical professionals. These agencies provide home care aides, sometimes called companions or personal attendants, which help a caregiver and the person they are caring for with everyday tasks, such as bathing, grooming, cooking, cleaning, errands, and more.

Talk with the patient’s health insurance company about whether it covers any of these services, and take some time to explore all home health care options.

Community resources

Beyond medical and physical care, many communities have a wide-range of resources available to caregivers, including:

Case management. Some organizations have trained case managers that work with you and the person with cancer to coordinate services such as home care, transportation, and meals. Some case management services are free if the person with cancer meets certain eligibility requirements.

Legal aid. Local legal organizations may be able to assist you with legal issues such as advance directives (a legally binding set of instructions that explain the kind of medical treatment a person would want and would not want if he or she becomes unable to make the decisions). Learn more about advance directives.

Financial assistance and counseling. Local agencies may be able to assist you and the person with cancer in resolving financial issues related to cancer treatment. Read a list of financial resources.

Food delivery. Some for-profit and nonprofit organizations deliver nutritious meals directly to a person’s home. Talk with a social worker for more information.

Friends and family

Make a list of people who are part of the patient's personal support system and identify who could best help with specific caregiving tasks. This list could include emergency contacts, close friends and relatives, neighbors, church or synagogue members, and others in the community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people want to help provide care, but aren’t sure if it is wanted or needed. That’s why it’s important to specify the type of help you need, either when you are asked, or when you are delegating responsibilities.

Hospice services

Hospice care offers a full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for people living with advanced cancer and their families. This kind of care can be provided in one’s home, in a hospital setting, or inpatient hospice facility. Find out more about caregiving and hospice care.

Referrals

You can get referrals to agencies and community resources from the patient’s doctor, oncology social worker, or nurse, from members of local or online support groups, or from your state or county’s health agencies.

More Information

How Caregivers Can Take Care of Themselves

How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help

Caregiving

Additional Resources

Family Caregiver Alliance: Community Care Options

Last Updated: April 10, 2009