When your loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard on the whole family. Cancer can be a hard fight and the treatments themselves can leave your loved one weakened. For many suffering from cancer, being surrounded by their family can help them feel better and more ready for the fight ahead of them.
In-Home Cancer Care
Overall, if your loved one can receive their cancer care while living at home, you should highly consider this. Being in a familiar and comfortable place is one of the best ways to help your loved one stay positive. As their fight against cancer continues, they may need more help around the house. Your loved one may require help with medications, assistance going to the bathroom or bathing, assistance traveling to doctor’s appointments, help with housekeeping, assistance in cooking or eating, and more.
Personal Care Support for Cancer
Chemotherapy and radiation can take a serious toll on your loved one. Because of this, you and your family may want to consider hiring a home health aide to take care of their needs on a full-time basis. A professional caregiver can assist your loved one when you can’t. Additionally, many people do not feel comfortable asking their loved ones for personal hygiene and bathroom assistance. A home health aide is trained to assist your loved one while maintaining their dignity.
Nutrition and Meal Preparation
It can be a physical challenge for those struggling with cancer and treatments to prepare meals. Working in the kitchen can be a taxing endeavor. As such, your loved one may not be getting a proper, nutritious meal. Furthermore, chemotherapy treatments can reduce your loved one’s appetite. It is important to make sure that your loved one gets the proper nutrition when they can eat. Additionally, it can become harder for your loved one to eat certain foods during treatment. Foods that are easier to chew can be an important part of meal preparation for your loved one.
Proper Hydration
Hydration is also key. It is vital that your loved one stays hydrated during cancer treatment. This can be especially difficult while their appetite is low. Offering them water with fruits or herbs can help encourage hydration and provide them with more nutrients. If they are not drinking water, tea or ice chips can be good alternatives.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
For your loved one, physical therapy and other forms of light exercise can help them recover from treatment more efficiently. However, it can also be a source of frustration and tension. This is especially true if you are the one who is trying to get them to exercise. Caregivers can provide support, guidance, and encouragement through exercises.
A Calm and Peaceful Home Environment
Your loved one needs to focus on their treatment and recovery. As such, it is best for your loved one to have a peaceful home environment. If they are busy worrying about home upkeep and management, they probably aren’t focusing on their recovery. Ensuring housekeeping chores are done can help your loved one stay on the right track for recovery. A home health aide is trained to provide light housekeeping services for this reason.
Keeping Your Loved One Comfortable
Comfort is a key aspect of cancer treatment. Cancer can be taxing on the mind, body, and spirit. Helping your loved one be comfortable throughout their treatment and recovery is, therefore, a vital part of the process. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation can dry out your loved one’s skin. Hot and cold flashes are often a common side effect of treatment. Consider getting them a soft, warm robe to wear around the house. Wash bedding regularly to keep them clean and inviting. Sleep is important for recovery. Establish rest periods in their everyday routine to help them recuperate.
Grief and Cancer
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be an emotionally taxing experience for your loved one, as well as the whole family. Consider looking into therapy counseling for your loved one, or anyone in the family who may need grief support. Depression is common among those suffering from cancer. Watching a loved one suffer as they fight cancer can be heartbreaking. There are a number of community resources that offer counseling for cancer patients and their families.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.
