Last week, I hosted a powerful webinar in which myeloma caregivers shared their experiences and brainstormed ways that their communities can support them in effective ways.
You can watch the recording and/or read the ideas below to learn how you can support myeloma caregivers and what to think twice about before doing.
Caregivers, share this article with your loved ones so they know how they can help!
Sometimes, the most meaningful acts of service include simple actions that caregivers weren't even aware they needed.
These could include:
If you know of a loved one who is taking care of a loved one with myeloma or another cancer, consider offering to do one of these pre-arranged tasks.
Perhaps one of the most important things that you can do for caregivers is arrange time for them to take care of themselves. Ask if you can spend time with the myeloma patient so that they can participate in activities such as:
If appropriate and applicable, you might want to consider checking in with your friends and family who are caregivers and ask how they are doing spiritually. Be careful not to come off as condescending and be sensitive to the fact that some people might be going through a faith crisis after being diagnosed with cancer.
You could consider:
Check in with your loved caregivers to make sure they are doing ok mentally and emotionally. Caregiving can be a lonely, draining task even when the caregiver has a positive attitude. Knowing you have a strong support system who is checking in on you is extremely helpful.
Consider sharing the following:
While we know that you have good intentions, you may want to think twice before doing the following when trying to help caregivers:
When in doubt, ask the caregiver that you would like to help and ask what would be most helpful. Come up with ideas to help and ask them if they would feel comfortable with that in their lives at this time.
While improving the quality of life of myeloma patients is important, let's also work to improve the lives of myeloma caregivers.
Last week, I hosted a powerful webinar in which myeloma caregivers shared their experiences and brainstormed ways that their communities can support them in effective ways.
You can watch the recording and/or read the ideas below to learn how you can support myeloma caregivers and what to think twice about before doing.
Caregivers, share this article with your loved ones so they know how they can help!
Sometimes, the most meaningful acts of service include simple actions that caregivers weren't even aware they needed.
These could include:
If you know of a loved one who is taking care of a loved one with myeloma or another cancer, consider offering to do one of these pre-arranged tasks.
Perhaps one of the most important things that you can do for caregivers is arrange time for them to take care of themselves. Ask if you can spend time with the myeloma patient so that they can participate in activities such as:
If appropriate and applicable, you might want to consider checking in with your friends and family who are caregivers and ask how they are doing spiritually. Be careful not to come off as condescending and be sensitive to the fact that some people might be going through a faith crisis after being diagnosed with cancer.
You could consider:
Check in with your loved caregivers to make sure they are doing ok mentally and emotionally. Caregiving can be a lonely, draining task even when the caregiver has a positive attitude. Knowing you have a strong support system who is checking in on you is extremely helpful.
Consider sharing the following:
While we know that you have good intentions, you may want to think twice before doing the following when trying to help caregivers:
When in doubt, ask the caregiver that you would like to help and ask what would be most helpful. Come up with ideas to help and ask them if they would feel comfortable with that in their lives at this time.
While improving the quality of life of myeloma patients is important, let's also work to improve the lives of myeloma caregivers.
about the author
Audrey Burton-Bethke
Audrey is a content writer and editor for the HealthTree Foundation. She originally joined the HealthTree Foundation in 2020. Audrey loves spending time with her supportive husband, energetic four-year-old, and new baby.