How to Support a Partner - Caring for the Caregiver is an article published 1/6/23 and is remains an important read.
It begins, "When test reports come in, and the building anticipation confirms the worst fears with a diagnosis of cancer, it certainly affects the individual the most. However, its ripples are far-reaching; we share it with our parents, family, partners, children or friends, and almost anyone that we can rely on for support.
These individuals become the backbone of one’s journey to fighting the battle with cancer, which can be a long and seemingly lonely road. The presence of a strong support system can make it feel easier. In this journey, the “caregivers”, our loved ones who are supporting us, often go unnoticed in their daily struggle by the doctors, relatives, and even themselves.
To help combat that sense of caregiver fatigue, we are sharing some useful strategies to support a loved one, and in the process, also understand the role and challenges of a caregiver."
I was talking to a couple of friends last night when caregiving came up. They had both been through recent episodes of caring for elderly parents in their last years of life and I with my husband's cancer journey (I'm embracing "journey" because I don't have another term. Lend my a better term if you have one.:)).
If you have thoughts on this topic please share them with us :)
Janine