The Cancer Nutrition Network for Texans presents:
Creating Cancer Care Teams:
A workshop for Cancer Patients and
their Family Caregivers
The CNNT is funded by the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Texas Cancer Council Contract # 08-94
Information for Caregivers
The Hidden Challenges – A Caregiver’s Guide
Understanding
Caregiving
Who can be a caregiver?
Caregivers to the patient may be:
– Family Members
– Friend
– Neighbor
– Support Group Member
– Life Partner
– Confidants
– Nurses
– YOU!
A Place to Start
Helpful Tips for Caregivers
• Create a safe environment at home
• Ask for help from family, friends, and
others
• Take care of yourself
Caregiver Training
Caregivers need to be familiar with the following topics:
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Learning about a particular disease
Working with medical professionals
Navigating the healthcare system
Daily living activities (bathing, dressing and eating)
Home safety preparation
Maintaining medical records
Managing medication
Operating medical equipment
Pain management or nutrition counseling
Coping techniques
Assessing pain
The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale
Choose the face that best describes how you feel.
Caregiving Training
Community Resources
The American Red Cross has developed a training program
for family caregivers that covers the following topics:
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General Caregiving Skills
Home Safety
Positioning and Helping Your Loved One Move
Assisting with Personal Care
Healthy Eating
Caring for the Caregiver
Legal and Financial Issues
Contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information on
caregiver training programs.
Taking Care of
Yourself
Take Breaks from Caregiving
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Read a book
Rest
Take a walk or exercise
Meditate or pray
Taking Care of
Yourself
Caregiver Health Tips:
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Get regular check-ups
Get a flu shot and pneumonia vaccine
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables
Take classes in how to reduce and deal with stress
Participate in religious or spiritual activities
Do recreational activities, sports, hobbies or spend
time with friends
Weekly Checklist for the
Caregiver
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I am getting at least seven hours of restful sleep a night
Personal hygiene and grooming are done on a daily basis
I am keeping social obligations
I talk with or spend time with friends at least twice a week
I am spending adequate time with my spouse and/or children
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I am exercising at least three times a week
I am eating well balanced nutritious meals and snacks
I have not gained weight or lost weight
I am taking only the medications as prescribed to keep up my
health
I keep annual medical and dental appointments
My legal and financial papers, including wills, are in order and
available
I have checked a new resource regarding caregiving
I have read and am aware of the Caregiver’s Bill of Rights
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Help is Available
It’s OK to ask for help. Many services are available such as:
• General Caregiving Skills
• Home Safety
• Positioning and Helping your Loved One Move
• Assisting with Personal Care
• Healthy Eating
• Caring for the Caregiver
• Legal and Financial Issues
• Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease or
Dementia
• Caring for a Loved One with HIV/AIDS
Contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information on
caregiver training programs.
Support for the
Caregiver
Think about joining a support group.
Most caregivers feel stress because they
feel that they are all alone in what they
do.
Respite Care
What is Respite Care?
Respite Care is temporary relief (a break) for caregivers and
families who are caring for those with disabilities, chronic or
terminal illnesses or the elderly.
Who can provide respite?
•Friends and Family
•Online Support Groups
•Healthcare Providers
• PROMOTORA: PLEASE ADD LIST OF
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT
PROVIDE RESPITE CARE HERE
Managing the
Unknown
• Think Positive
• Be involved with positive
people
• You are what you think
• You feel what you want
• What you think and feel
affect your health
ommitment
ontrol
hallenge
Think Positive
Examples of positive commitments are:
“I commit to doing yoga three times a week.”
“I commit to smiling more at those around me
everyday.”
“I commit to telling others how much they mean to
me.”
Dealing with
Emotions
It is normal to feel:
• Overwhelmed
• Anger
• Guilt
• Fear
• Loss and Sorrow
• Strained
• Isolated
• Fatigued
• Stressed
• Compromised
Caregiver Burnout
10 Signs of Caregiver Burnout
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Denial
Anger
Social withdrawal
Anxiety
Depression
Exhaustion
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Lack of concentration
Health problems
Summary
As you have learned, caring for yourself as
the caregiver is as important as caring for
your loved one that is ill. Keep your strength
up physically, emotionally, and spiritually and
you will be a better caregiver for your patient,
family member or friend. The role of the
caregiver is an important one. It may even be
the most important job you will ever do.