Caregiving is often thought of as a full-time service provided to a family member. We may overlook the small tasks that also make us a caregiver.  

There are different types of caregivers. Anyone who provides for the needs of another person is a caregiver.  

• Do you visit or deliver groceries to an elderly neighbor?
• Do you drive a parent to a monthly doctor’s appointment? 
• Have you driven a friend to a colonoscopy?  
• Have you picked up your sick grandchild from school? 
• Are you navigating your family through the emotional weight of a spouse’s recent cancer diagnosis? 

As the late Rosalynn Carter, former first Lady of the United States, once said, “There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal.”

Practical Self-Care Tips Every Caregiver Should Know

Caregivers may easily become so focused on providing care that they overlook their own health.  It is necessary for caregivers to also care for themselves. As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Work on creating a plan to include self-care:

• Keep your own doctor appointments
• Engage in physical activity
• Rest when possible
• Ask for help
• Journal to celebrate small victories and offload worries and frustrations
• Join a support group to network with other caregivers

In my role as an oncology social worker, I see the importance of the caregiver’s role to our patients. I observe caregivers taking notes and asking questions or providing input on changes they have noticed in their loved ones’ routine. This helps the medical team provide comprehensive patient care. These caregivers are advocates and an invaluable support for their loved ones with a cancer diagnosis. 

Initially, cancer caregivers may start with minimal duties such as taking loved ones to their oncology appointments. It may grow to keeping their medication planners filled and making sure they eat healthy meals.  

In advanced stages of cancer, a caregiver may begin to feel increased levels of stress and anxiety leading to caregiver burden or burnout. Caregiver burden is where a caregiver feels their emotional, physical, spiritual and/or financial stability has been sorely affected by the demands of caregiving.  

Join NMHS Cancer Care Support Groups for Connection and Relief

Here at NMHS Cancer Care, we desire the very best for both the patient and caregiver. This includes medical care as well as emotional support. We offer free support groups for cancer patients and their caregivers called The Cancer Journey.  

In Tupelo, the group meets each month on the third Tuesday at NMMC Hematology Oncology, 961 S. Gloster St. In Starkville, the group meets every other month at NMHS Cancer Care on 1205 Highway 182. 

If you are a caregiver to a cancer patient, please know that connecting with others in similar circumstances can offer emotional relief, practical advice, increased education, support and encouragement.  

Being a caregiver comes with many challenges. Make the choice to participate in opportunities such as The Cancer Journey to help find ways to reduce your stress and prevent caregiver burnout. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.