Supporting Caregivers: When They Thrive, Patients Do Too

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to acknowledge the vital role caregivers play in supporting individuals with cancer. Caregiving extends far beyond helping with medical needs. It encompasses emotional, physical, and practical support that enables patients to lead a more manageable daily life. 

The caregiver’s role in modern cancer care

Advances in cancer care mean many treatments can now be given orally or as short infusions in outpatient clinics. This change means that the day-to-day responsibility for care has shifted from hospitals to homes. Family members, friends, and partners often help patients monitor symptoms, give medications, manage appointments, and provide emotional support between clinic visits.

Studies show that informal caregivers spend an average of six hours each day performing medical and personal care activities. For older adults, who make up most people living with cancer, caregivers are frequently spouses or older family members who may also have their own health challenges. Despite their critical role, most caregivers receive little formal training or support to prepare for the complex responsibilities they take on.

The emotional and economic impact of caregiving

Caring for someone with cancer can affect both mental and physical health. It can also have a financial impact. Research has found that caregivers of patients with advanced cancer may experience similar or even higher levels of anxiety and depression than the patients themselves. This is especially true as the illness progresses. Many report difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and stress-related symptoms.

The economic value of informal caregiving in the United States has been estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually. This reflects the unpaid hours caregivers provide. Many caregivers also face lost income due to reduced work hours or time away from jobs. Long-distance caregivers, those living more than an hour away, often spend additional time coordinating care and traveling for visits.

Without self-care, the burdens of caregiving can be more difficult to cope with over time. Taking breaks, asking for help, joining support groups, and talking with counselors can help caregivers maintain their own well-being. Caregivers who stay physically and emotionally healthy are better able to support their loved ones throughout treatment.

Supporting caregivers benefits everyone

Strong caregiver support is associated with improved patient outcomes. When caregivers are involved in hospital discharge planning, readmission rates drop by nearly 25%. Educated and supported caregivers can also help patients manage symptoms, follow treatment plans, and recover more effectively after procedures.

Understanding the impact caregivers can make is essential for health systems and communities that aim to provide better support for them.

Improving support systems for caregivers

Efforts to better prepare caregivers are growing. Educational programs led by nurses and social workers have been shown to increase caregivers’ confidence and reduce stress. Screening tools like the Edmonton Symptom Assessment for caregivers help healthcare teams identify burnout and distress early.

Some oncology practices are also utilizing geriatric assessments to address the needs of both older patients and their caregivers. These assessments can improve communication and satisfaction for both parties. Including caregiver assessments in routine cancer care ensures that they receive prompt attention alongside patients.

How to support caregivers? 

If you have a family member or friend who is the primary caregiver for a person with cancer, there are different ways you can support them. 

• Help with tasks. Divide tasks among family or friends, such as meals, transportation, or childcare.
• Stay informed. Learn about the type and stage of cancer, treatment side effects, and available resources.
• Help caregivers take care of themselves. Keep in mind caregivers need time for themselves. Daily relaxation, light exercise, or journaling can help manage stress.

Sharing experiences with others in similar situations can bring comfort and useful advice. Joining a support group or listening to people who are caregivers can prevent isolation, which can be a familiar feeling among caregivers. 

Continue reading “How to Truly Help Caregivers and What to Avoid” 

Supporting caregivers strengthens cancer care

Caregivers are the steady foundation that allows patients to focus on healing. Recognizing their needs, especially during National Family Caregivers Month, is essential to improving the overall quality of cancer care. By ensuring caregivers have the information, support, and time they need, both patients and caregivers can experience better health and well-being.

Caregiving should not be a solitary journey. Talk with your care team about available caregiver resources, or explore educational and support programs through HealthTree Cure Teams, a supportive network powered by volunteers to serve as a critical extension of HealthTree Foundation in your region.

Explore HealthTree Cure Teams to learn more 

Sources: 

• Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients

• Caring for the caregiver: a systematic review characterising the experience of caregivers of older adults with advanced cancers