Welcome Caregivers

  • The Single Sentence…
    Some of the most memorable moments in life come to us in a single sentence.  Will you marry me?  I love you.  You have been accepted to…
    We all know our own single sentences.  And we all remember when we heard that our loved one heard the single sentence that was the diagnosis.
    Caregivers can hear more sentences to help manage that single one.  How can I help?  We can provide that for you.  You have come to the right place. 
    As you start…
    When you first hear that a new chapter has begun that you will share, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself.  Perhaps you may struggle to know how to answer the question, “How are you?”
    As you help…
    During treatments, you need to do so much, help so much, or stand by and watch not knowing what do think or do or say.
    As you move forward…
    When treatments in the hospital are finished, often all of that activity and those calendars filled with appointments leaves those we love and caregivers without direction.  Many of us want to “do something,” so, at the end of treatments, we have to answer the question, “Now what?
    For each of us, the path is different.  There are some things that are the same, however.  First of all, you cannot help if you forget to take care of your own body, mind, and spirit.  Each of us needs to care for ourselves from the single sentence forward.
    Here, at the Survivorship Institute, you will find ways to get good information to read and then consider on your own or by sharing what you read with others who want to help by caring for you, the caregiver.  Please see an example below.
    Also, there is a growing list of support, guidance, and information near you in Baltimore.  Please check back regularly to see the list of resources that we continue to find.
    As you do, know that yours are not the only two helping hands.  Ours are holding yours.
    To find the resources below, please visit:
    http://www.cancer.gov/search/results
    Coping with Cancer: For Caregivers, Family, and Friends
    Information to help caregivers cope while caring for a loved one with cancer, as well as help someone with cancer cope with the illness.
    Family Caregivers in Cancer: Roles and Challenges (PDQ®)
    Expert-reviewed information summary about the challenges faced by family caregivers of cancer patients. This summary focuses on typical caregiver roles and concerns, and helpful interventions for caregivers.
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/caregivers/healthprofessional
    When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer: Support for Caregivers
    Practical and supportive information for caregivers of loved ones with advanced cancer that is no longer responding to treatment. It explores many of the questions and crossroads caregivers may face.
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/when-someone-you-love-has-advanced-cancer
    Caring for the Caregiver
    Practical and supportive information to help caregivers cope while caring for a loved one with cancer. It is an easy-to-read version of the booklet, When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer.
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/caring-for-the-caregiver
    When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer: Support for Caregivers
    There are other booklets available that talk about how to give care to a loved one. But the purpose of this booklet is to focus on you and your needs.
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/When-Someone-You-Love-Has-Advanced-Cancer.p df
    Caring for the Caregiver
    Caring for the Caregiver “You need to learn ways to take care of yourself. Because if you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” —Jane Inside This Booklet Who Is a Caregiver?
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/caring-for-the-caregiver.pdf

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