How can I be the best caregiver for my spouse with cancer?

Caregivers have many roles. The roles change as the patient's needs change during and after cancer treatment. Caregivers serve as home health aides and companions. They may help feed, dress, and bathe the patient. Caregivers arrange schedules, manage insurance issues, and provide transportation. They are legal assistants, financial managers, and housekeepers. They often have to take over the duties of the person with cancer, and still meet the needs of other family members.

As a caregiver, you have huge influence - both positive and negative - on how the cancer patient deals with their illness. Your encouragement can help the patient stick with a demanding treatment plan and take other steps to get well, like eating healthy meals or getting enough rest.

Caregivers solve problems: You can help the patient deal with the challenges faced by cancer patients, and help them get through any problems that may come up. The best way to prioritize and manage problems is to first try to understand the problem, as well as the desired result. Caregivers who are realistic, but positive; careful, but creative; and focused, but flexible are sources of strength and security for people with cancer.

Caregivers are part of the health care team: A good caregiver is a vital health care resource. In many cases, the caregiver is the one person who knows everything that is going on with the patient. Don't be afraid to ask questions and take notes during doctor visits. Learn who the members of the health care team are and know how to contact them. Getting the right support and information can help both you and your loved one with cancer.

Caregivers involve the patient: Good communication with the person you are caring for is the most important part of your role. It may be hard for the patient to take part in daily planning and decision-making because he is dealing with the physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer and treatment. Your job is to involve the patient as much as possible, so he knows he is doing his part to get better and not be a burden to you.