A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, not only for the person diagnosed with the disease but also for his or her caregivers and loved ones. If you’ve learned that an aging family member has cancer, here are a few suggestions that may ease the fear and uncertainty that often comes with the treatment process. Knowing what to expect can help your senior loved one feel more comfortable with the challenge that lies ahead.
Research the Options Available
Ideally, you should choose a doctor who specializes in the type of cancer your loved one has. Your loved one may also want to consider getting a second opinion before moving forward with treatment. This is especially important when the specific disease is rare, hard to treat, or represents a recurrence of an earlier cancer diagnosis.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Assemble a Team
Once your loved one has chosen a cancer center and is moving forward with treatment, it’s time to get to know the health care professionals who will help your family on this journey. This may include social workers, nurses, physical, occupational, and psychological therapists, nutrition and exercise specialists, clergy (if your loved one is religious), caregivers, and even financial experts.
If your loved one is diagnosed with cancer, consider adding a home caregiver to your support team. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Montgomery seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Learn to Read the Lab Reports
Your loved one will be undergoing several types of tests, and knowing how to read the reports provides valuable information. Check out the guides available online from the ASCO Cancer Foundation. You may also want to consult a cancer dictionary, such as the free resource provided by the American Association for Cancer Research.
Get Organized
Cancer treatment can be complicated. Plan to accompany your loved one to appointments, both for support and to keep track of key information. Start a notebook or binder where you can save information like reports, provider names and phone numbers, important details, and other key data.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Montgomery elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call us today at (334) 593-3988 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.