For caregivers
Caregivers, what do you find to be the most challenging part of caring for someone with cancer? How can we help support each other?
Hello
, This is such a great question. If I had t pick one thing, it would be financial. My father is almost 90 and on a fixed income, but he spends money like it's water. He brought a new car about 2 years ago, shops, and does whatever he wants. I understand living your best life, but I also help him and he still has a wife. I'm very supportive and never discuss money with him. I don't want him to worry about money in his "best" years. Diane, Team Member my husband is doing just what he wants. He doesn't care if bills get paid or we eat. He seems to think that the cancer is only affecting him. So now I take the debt card and pay the bills . He fights me but I refuse to be homeless again because of cancer
That's a tough situation Diane. I've heard of other cancer patients who throw caution to the wind to live their best life which included not worrying about the financial impact. I don't know what the answer is, and being his daughter makes this especially hard for you to approach. Maybe a professional could help you figure it out so you could help him?
This is a great question!!! I think for me it would have been the emotional stability. I was just 24 years old when I became a caregiver to my dad (who had prostate cancer), I just finished my master's degree, and was in the first year of my career. I struggled with balancing my emotions as a career woman, caregiver, all while keeping the emotions of my family and dad intact.
I think help can come from understating what others need, and creating a system that could be accessible to them. Needs may include meal prepping, yard or garden work, financial resources, and support groups.
Beverly (Prostatecancer.net Team)Hello
, I'm with you. We have to take control of the situation especially if it's going to affect them and us. I was POA for both my parents. She passed on August 1. It helped me to have a little bit more control over things. They both still had bills coming to their home and getting money orders. I set up every bill to be paid directly from their account. My father will never leave his home. But because of his health and age, I have meals delivered to him and hired someone to be with him. He was pushing back on me at first but seems to be adjusting. I'm with you, do what you have to do, but be there for him too. I'm sure his emotions are all over the place right now and just thinking about himself. We are here if you need to talk more. Diane (Team Member)
