Being a Caregiver

No one wants to be a caregiver to a terminally ill family member or friend, but each year, tens of thousands of people will sign on for the job, selflessly spending their time doing what needs to be done to keep that person safe and comfortable.

You'll probably find that there aren't enough minutes in the day to do everything that needs to be done to properly care for a person with malignant mesothelioma. Besides simply seeing to his/her physical needs, you may find yourself cooking, cleaning, shopping, and filling your day with endless tasks. In addition, you'll still need to tend to your own needs and/or the needs of your immediate family.

Caregiver burn-out is a common occurrence. That's why it's necessary to schedule breaks from time to turn and find others who can fill in during your absence. You might think you're the only one that can do the job, but if you burnout, you become depressed, anxious, fatigued, angry, and inefficient, and the patient suffers.

Locating Help

If the mesothelioma patient is fortunate enough to be surrounded by family and friends, you can probably find someone to take your place now and then. Set up a schedule for those willing to help and be sure to schedule at least a day off per week or even a few hours each day where you can take time off to regroup and do the things you enjoy in life. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. The inability to do everything yourself is not a sign of weakness. Know your limits and stick to them.

Difficulties arise when there are no other friends or family members in the area that can assist with caregiver duties. If that is the case, contact the patient's doctor or medical team, the local cancer society, the patient's health insurance provider, or other area agencies that may be able to assist you in finding affordable occasional care for your loved one.

Emotional Support

It's likely that as a full-time caregiver - or even a part-time one - that you'll suffer a great deal of emotional stress. At times you'll feel helpless or simply overwhelmed by the responsibilities of your task. That's when it's time to seek help in the form of emotional support. Contact your local cancer society, Gilda's Club, or hospital to find a support group for caregivers of terminally ill patients. Nearly all hospitals have them. Take time to attend a meeting or two, even if you think such groups are not for you. Doing so also gives you a chance to get out of the house and associate with others in a healthy environment.

If you prefer not to participate in groups, schedule a private appointment with a counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or clergy person to talk about your struggles. Be honest about your feelings and, if you feel overly depressed or anxious, consider trying anti-depressants or other medications that may help get you through this difficult time.

These days, technology brings emotional support directly to your home via the internet. So, if you can't find a support group in your area or don't want to see a counselor, go online and find others like you with whom you can chat. There are many online support groups and the beauty of these internet groups is that you can log on at any time of the day or night and chat with others who are going through the same trials and challenges as you.