The physical challenges and symptoms that your parent is likely to experience when they are dealing with cancer are not the only issues that they will face. Cancer-related distress is another issue that can be particularly difficult, but that may not be immediately considered by those facing a diagnosis, or their caregivers. This distress, however, can be very challenging and diminish not just your parent’s quality of life, but also their ability to actively and successfully pursue treatment and management that is right for them. There are many things that you can do as their caregiver to help them to cope with this distress, but one of the most powerful ways that you may be able to help them is to seek professional support.
Professional support in the form of a therapist or a support group can help your parent deal with a variety of mental and emotional issues, including:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hopelessness
• Substance abuse
• Panic attacks
• Isolation and loneliness
When looking for professional support for your parent, specifically seek out a professional with experience helping those who are suffering from cancer. This will give them the perspective to help your parent address and cope with the specific issues that they are dealing with so that they are able to develop coping skills and find ways to handle these challenges in the way that is best for them. Do not overlook your own need for support during this experience. As a caregiver you can suffer serious stress and distress as well, and seeking support can help you to manage these challenges so that your own health is protected and you can continue to give your senior the care that they need.
If you have found that your aging parent’s challenges and needs are more than you can handle as their family caregiver, or your own personal limitations and schedule have become such that you are not able to fulfill their needs in the way that you think they deserve, now may be the ideal time to consider home care for them. As a family caregiver, it is your priority to make sure that your senior has the care, support, and assistance that they need to live their highest quality of life possible. Sometimes this means recognizing care gaps that might exist in your routine and finding ways to ensure that they are filled. A care provider can address these gaps, filling them in the way that is right for your parent, and for you, with highly personalized services tailored toward a lifestyle that is safe and healthy, as well as independent and fulfilling.
Source
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/emotional-side-effects/distress/is-extra-help-needed.html
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/emotional-side-effects/distress/coping-tips.html
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Houston, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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