When your older parent or 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. For older adults, cancer care can be especially challenging.
In-Home Cancer Care
Overall, if your loved one can receive cancer care while living at home, you should highly consider this. Being comfortable is an important aspect of recovery and rehabilitation care. So staying in place is one of the best ways to help your loved one stay positive during their cancer journey.
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, aid with cooking or eating, and more. Muscular weakness and fatigue are common side effects of cancer treatment, and they can make it difficult for people to take care of their daily needs.
Personal Care Support for Cancer
Chemotherapy and radiation can take a serious toll on your older loved one. Because of this, you and your family might 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 cannot.
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 helping maintain 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 easily get a proper, nutritious meal. Furthermore, chemotherapy treatments can limit your loved one’s appetite. Proper nutrition is essential to maintaining their health. Fatigue can affect chewing. Foods that are easier to chew can be an important part of meal preparation for your loved one.
Proper Hydration
Hydration is also vital to recovery after treatment. Hydration during cancer treatment can help reduce side effects. This can be especially difficult to manage 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, drinking tea or eating ice chips can be good alternatives.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
For your loved one, physical therapy and other forms of light exercise can help with recovery. However, it can also be a source of frustration and tension. This is especially true if they are noticeably weaker than before their diagnosis. Unfortunately, this is quite common. 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. One way to help with this is to provide a peaceful home environment. If they are busy worrying about home upkeep and management, they may not be 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 from Safe Harbor Home Healthcare is trained to provide light housekeeping services for this reason.
Keeping Your Loved One Comfortable
Comfort is a key aspect of making your loved one’s recovery easier. Cancer can be taxing on the mind, body, and spirit. Helping your loved one be more comfortable throughout their treatment and recovery is, therefore, a vital part of the process.
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 Depression With Cancer
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. Both for your loved one and 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. Several community resources offer counseling for cancer patients and their families.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
