Hearing that a senior loved one has been diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming and scary. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, fear, anger, and confusion. However, staying strong and supporting your loved one during this difficult time is important. In-home care can help family members properly care for their older parent with cancer. Here are some steps you can take to help your senior loved one after a cancer diagnosis:
Learn More About the Cancer
Once you know which type of cancer your senior loved one has, learning as much as possible about it is important. You can ask the doctor or oncologist for more information, research cancer online or in books, and attend doctor appointments with your loved one to ask questions and take notes.
Help Them Make a Treatment Decision
Multiple treatment options are often available for cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Your senior’s doctor will discuss the options with them and provide recommendations, but ultimately the decision is up to your loved one. You can help them weigh the pros and cons of each option and offer support as they make their decision.
Offer Emotional Support
A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally overwhelming, and your loved one needs to have emotional support. Let them know you’re there for them, listen to them, and spend quality time with them. Please encourage them to express their emotions, whether sadness, fear, anger, or hope. Besides, in-home care providers can offer companionship and emotional support, helping seniors feel more connected and less alone.
Provide Practical Help
Cancer treatment can be physically challenging, and your loved one may need practical help with cooking, cleaning, and transportation to appointments. Offer to help with these tasks or coordinate with other family members or friends to create a schedule for providing support. In-home care can assist with these tasks, helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and having enough sleep can help support your senior’s overall health during cancer treatment. Encourage your loved one to make healthy choices, and offer to help with meal planning and preparation.
Stay Positive
It’s important to stay positive and hopeful during the cancer journey. Encourage your senior to focus on the present moment and celebrate small victories along the way.
Offer Transport
Seniors with cancer may need to go to medical appointments or treatments but cannot drive themselves. In-home care providers can offer transportation services, ensuring that seniors get to their appointments safely and on time.
In addition, ensure you frequently communicate with your senior’s doctor and care team. They can provide guidance on treatment options, manage the side effects of treatment, and provide support for both your loved one and you as a caregiver.
If you or someone you know needs In-Home Care in Blaine, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 660-5772 for more information.