A cancer caregiver is defined as a person who most often takes care of the person with cancer but is not paid to do so. It’s unlikely that the caregiver has been trained for the job. Anyone can become a caregiver to a cancer fighter, whether it be a spouse or partner, parent, adult child, or even a close friend.

Some things cancer caregiver may have to do:

• Help feed, dress, and bathe the patient
• Arrange schedules
• Manage insurance issues
• Provide transportation
• Become legal assistant and financial manager
• Housework

Eventually the caretaker may become the lifeline for the person with cancer. A caretaker has a huge influence on the cancer patient’s life.

Communication is important when giving care to a loved one. Here are some tips on keeping lines of communication open if you are a cancer caregiver

• Help your loved one live as normal of a life as possible
• Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts with you
• Let them know you are available, but don’t pressure them to talk to you
• Keep in mind that everyone communicates differently
• Be realistic and flexible about what you both agree to do
• Respect their need to be alone if they ask

Despite the sadness and shock of having a loved one with cancer, many people find personal satisfaction in caring for that person. However, a caretaker has to make sure they take care of themselves too. Here are ways a cancer caregiver can make sure they are prioritizing their health:

• Eat well
• Limit alcohol use
• Exercise
• Stay away from tobacco
• Know your limitations
• Take breaks for yourself

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, burdened, and even trapped at times while caregiving. Addressing the problems early can help you and your loved one get the help you need, and if you have to, make other plans for care. If you start to feel depressed or hopeless, there are several ways you can get help. One good resource is support groups, like the support groups at the Cancer Institute at The University of Tennessee Medical Center.

There are many kinds of support programs, including one-on-one or group counseling. Talking with others can help ease your loneliness and give you useful ideas that might help you. You can also talk to your doctor about getting different types of help so you can continue to take care of yourself and your loved one.

If you do not have a doctor and would like to find one, UT Medical Center’s Healthcare Coordination can help. They will talk to you about what insurance you have, what type of doctor you need, and what days are most convenient for you to make an appointment. Call them today at 865-305-6970 to make an appointment.

For more information on the role of being a cancer caretaker, contact the Health Information Center. The Health Information Center is a library staffed by medical librarians and certified health information specialists. If you let us know your health information needs, we will do research for you, print what we find, and mail it straight to your house. You can call us at 865-305-9525. We also have a large collection of health books covering a variety of topics, including several books on being a caregiver:

American Cancer Society complete guide to family caregiving : the essential guide to cancer caregiving at home

Juggling life, work, and caregiving

Chicken soup for the soul : living with Alzheimer’s & other dementias : 101 stories of caregiving, coping, and compassion

Becoming a library member is free and only requires a picture ID.

The Health Information Center in located on the first floor the hospital. We have computers, printers, and a quiet place to take a break. We are open the following times:

Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 am-9 pm
Fri., 8:30 am-5 pm
Sat., 9 am-5 pm
Sun., 1 pm-9 pm