It can be an anxious time when someone you love and care about is diagnosed with cancer. A carer, or caregiver, is someone who provides unpaid care and support to someone with a disability, ageing, or cancer.
The following information will help you find out more about being a carer to someone diagnosed with cancer.
Assisting with their medical care
Carers often help with medical care. Your role as a carer may include helping the person communicate with their health care team, making decisions about their care or speaking on behalf of them.
The person you are caring for needs to give written consent for the treating team to talk with you about their care. Talking to health professionals may feel overwhelming if it is new to you. Some ways to make this easier include:
- Having a regular general practitioner (GP) who can help you.
- Writing down a list of questions before your appointment.
- Keeping a notebook for appointment notes, so that you can review, following the appointment. Write down a list of the medications, whether prescribed by a doctor, or over the counter, such as vitamins.
- Keeping a record of all treatments and test results.
- Setting up a system to organise paperwork, such as a filing cabinet.
- Setting the person up with an online My Health Record to store important health information.
- Applying for a PBS Safety Net card to reduce the cost of medicine (if applicable).
Providing practical support
As a carer you may help provide practical support, such as:
- Cooking
- Household chores
- Driving the person to medical appointments
- Making the house safe
- Helping with personal care
There are many support services available to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Preparing meals:
- Treatment can weaken the person’s immune system, so make sure to follow good hygiene and safe food practices. Always wash your hands before preparing food.
- You may notice the person you are caring for having difficulty eating, problems with swallowing or chewing, and their appetite may decrease. Talk with their treatment team if you’re worried about weight loss.
- If family and friends offer to help, let them know what types of food to prepare.
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