Dealing with cancer is challenging for anyone, but it presents unique challenges for elderly individuals. Their age and specific health conditions can complicate treatment decisions and impact their overall quality of life. If your senior parent was recently diagnosed with cancer, this guide offers valuable pointers to help you provide them with the best possible care and support.
Understanding Their Needs and Preferences
Every senior individual, especially with cancer, has their own needs and preferences. To ensure you care for them effectively, take the time to listen to your loved one. Encourage them to share their concerns, fears, and preferences.
This also helps you tailor your support specific to what brings your parent comfort instead of what society dictates you to do. Strive to follow their wishes, unless otherwise advised by their doctors, to give your senior parent a sense of control during this unpredictable period.
Offer Practical Support
Assisting your elderly parent with their daily tasks is another way to support them. Help your parent with meal preparations, household chores, hygiene, and medication management. Offer them rides to their appointments, treatments, and social activities, as walking or driving may now be distressing.
With your senior parent’s consent, assist them in managing their bills and securing financial aid. If their cancer was caused by the negligence of others, like being exposed to asbestos, which resulted in mesothelioma, support your loved one by getting them legal assistance. If your parent is in Ohio, find a trusted mesothelioma lawyer Ohio with an excellent reputation and a proven success record.
Provide Emotional Support
Your senior parent needs all the emotional support as they go through this emotionally and mentally challenging journey. Make it a point to spend quality time with them, listen to their concerns, and offer plenty of reassurance. Constantly remind your elderly parent that their not alone in this journey and that you and other family members are ready to support them in any way possible.
Navigate Medical Care
Dealing with the medical care aspect of cancer can be intimidating and stressful for your senior parent. Accompanying them to their doctor’s appointments and treatment sessions can help reduce their anxiety levels and make things more manageable.
Use this opportunity to ask your senior parent’s doctor any concerns you and your family may have. Strive to maintain open communication with your parent’s medical team, as they will be your partners in this life battle.
Take Care of Yourself
Regardless of whether you’re the primary, secondary, or tertiary caregiver of your senior parent, you must take proper care of yourself. Remember, you won’t be able to effectively support your parent if you’re not in your prime condition.
Take breaks often to prevent caregiver burnout, and don’t hesitate to involve the whole family. Exert effort to connect with other caregivers, support groups, or professional counselors, as they can be great sources of comfort during this sensitive time.
Endnote
By providing your senior parent with comprehensive support and care, you can help them navigate their cancer journey with greater comfort and dignity.
