Unfortunately, most people know someone who has or had cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. Approximately 39.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Watching one of our family members have to go through the tough treatment can be absolutely devastating. If you know a senior going through this, then you’re not alone, and we have some advice to help you better take care of them.
Listen
This will be a trying time for you to see your loved one suffering, but always remember that they are struggling too. It’s important to take the time to listen to them. Don’t pretend to know how they feel when they tell you how scared, tired or angry they may be. This is not a time for relatability. Use this time to acknowledge the validity of their feelings instead of trying to relate.
Be Flexible
Going through Cancer treatment can be hard mentally, but let’s not forget the toll it takes on the human body. There are going to be days where your loved one may not feel up to company, or they might need to take a nap in the middle of your visit. Always try your best to be flexible with them, and allow them to have plenty of leniency when plans fall through. Plans are going to change depending on how much energy your loved one has that day. So, be open to rescheduling with them, or be okay with spending some time alone while they rest.
Still Have Fun
After taking the time to listen to how your loved one feels, don’t be afraid to try to lighten the mood. If you always loved telling them funny work stories, then make sure you keep doing that even through their treatment. Whatever you used to do to have fun together is probably more vital now than ever. So, make sure that the important conversations happen, but keep the fun parts of your relationship too.
Ask What They Need
Because it is so tough on the mind and body, you will often find cancer patients struggle to do simple things. For some people, this means that the cleaning lags or they aren’t going to the grocery store as often. These are really basic tasks, but for senior cancer patients, they can be overwhelming. So, offer your help within reason.
Take Care of Yourself
This is one of the most important things that you can do for a senior cancer patient. Offer your help whenever you can, but make sure you are not over-exerting yourself. You are in pain too, and you need to take care of your physical and mental health during this time. Otherwise, you’re not going to be very helpful. Yes, overdoing it can do more harm than good. So, offer to help in ways that you can, but don’t use every ounce of strength that you have. You’re more useful to your loved ones if you’re well rested and cared for. So, make sure that you also have someone to talk to when needed, and take the time for self-care.
Consider a Thoughtful Gift
There are many different gift options for seniors that can bring them joy while making their lives easier. Signing them up for a food delivery service can help take away the stress of going to the store and cooking food. Also, consider getting them something to take their mind off of their diagnosis, like puzzles, games and brain teasers. The right gift can provide relief and let them know you’re thinking about them. If they are trying to adapt to the side effects of treatment, consider something like a stylish chemo hat. If money is an issue, then consider making something for them. We can’t all afford groceries for someone else, but drawing them a picture or sewing them a cute blanket can certain help lift their spirits while saving your wallet.
Check In
One of the most basic ways to care for senior cancer patients is to simply check in on them. Maybe that means stopping by more often, or if your schedule doesn’t permit that, then just a phone call can really help. Make sure that you are checking in with them regularly, and let them know that you are there to listen, if they want to talk about their diagnosis.
The most important part of these safe ways to help is just to be there for your loved ones. A cancer diagnosis is terrifying, and there is a good chance that your loved one will need your help more than ever. So, take care of yourself first, then take care of them as best as you can. Just remember to empathize with their struggles because all they may need is someone to listen to them.
