Survivors may be continuing with “treatment” or management, so it is unclear when primary treatment has ended. Survivors will also have a desire or need to “get on with their lives.” Survivors are considered individuals with the cancer diagnosis, not the family. Many patients think it may be a combination of the definitions. Having been a spouse of a former blood cancer patient, I feel that the main objective for both the caregiver and patient is to survive and live well. My husband and I both felt that we were battling cancer.
Therefore, no matter where you are in your cancer journey, it's imperative that you take a deep, concerted look at your finances and plan for the worst but expect the best. In doing so, spouses must determine what's important now and in the future.
When reviewing and organizing your finances, it's important to consider:
As a caregiver, depending on where you live, many states are now offering financial assistance. In October, Maine will join some other states giving eligible family caregivers up to $2000. (a one-time grant). In our country, up to 53 million people provide unpaid care for older relatives or disabled family members. This grant is open to family caregivers and other informal caregivers caring for someone who is at least 60 years old or suffering from dementia or related conditions. This may give relief to some cancer patients who also fit these criteria.
The National Council on Aging estimates that each year, seniors and their caregivers fail to apply for aid and miss out on $16 billion in benefits, including Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ programs, and National Family Caregivers Support Program, which provides grants to the states. The council also offers a free benefit tool at BenefitsCheckup.org to help seniors and caregivers identify which benefits they are eligible for.
You can also access other resources such as your local Agency on Aging and the Family Caregiver Alliance, which also provides an online tool to take advantage of state programs.
It’s no secret how expensive, either directly or indirectly, illness or aging can be. Caregivers must consider all financial resources that may be available to them from a Federal, State, and local perspective.
Don’t let opportunities pass you by. No matter where you are in your cancer journey, there are probably resources that can make things a little easier.
Survivors may be continuing with “treatment” or management, so it is unclear when primary treatment has ended. Survivors will also have a desire or need to “get on with their lives.” Survivors are considered individuals with the cancer diagnosis, not the family. Many patients think it may be a combination of the definitions. Having been a spouse of a former blood cancer patient, I feel that the main objective for both the caregiver and patient is to survive and live well. My husband and I both felt that we were battling cancer.
Therefore, no matter where you are in your cancer journey, it's imperative that you take a deep, concerted look at your finances and plan for the worst but expect the best. In doing so, spouses must determine what's important now and in the future.
When reviewing and organizing your finances, it's important to consider:
As a caregiver, depending on where you live, many states are now offering financial assistance. In October, Maine will join some other states giving eligible family caregivers up to $2000. (a one-time grant). In our country, up to 53 million people provide unpaid care for older relatives or disabled family members. This grant is open to family caregivers and other informal caregivers caring for someone who is at least 60 years old or suffering from dementia or related conditions. This may give relief to some cancer patients who also fit these criteria.
The National Council on Aging estimates that each year, seniors and their caregivers fail to apply for aid and miss out on $16 billion in benefits, including Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ programs, and National Family Caregivers Support Program, which provides grants to the states. The council also offers a free benefit tool at BenefitsCheckup.org to help seniors and caregivers identify which benefits they are eligible for.
You can also access other resources such as your local Agency on Aging and the Family Caregiver Alliance, which also provides an online tool to take advantage of state programs.
It’s no secret how expensive, either directly or indirectly, illness or aging can be. Caregivers must consider all financial resources that may be available to them from a Federal, State, and local perspective.
Don’t let opportunities pass you by. No matter where you are in your cancer journey, there are probably resources that can make things a little easier.
about the author
Diahanna Vallentine
Diahanna is the Financial Program Manager for the HealthTree Foundation, specializing in financial help for multiple myeloma and AML patients. As a professional financial consultant and former caregiver of her husband who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Diahanna perfectly understands the financial issues facing myeloma patients.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for news, stories, clinical trial updates, and helpful resources and events with cancer experts.