Caregiver Support

Taking care of a loved one with cancer is a challenging role, emotionally, mentally and physically. If someone you love has cancer, your role of family member or friend shifts to becoming a caregiver almost overnight. At Siteman we provide resources for caregivers that address specific needs, so you can continue to support your loved one. From individualized sessions with a psychologist to support group sessions and more, Siteman helps caregivers prioritize taking care of themselves. 

Caregiver Resources Offered at Siteman:

Self-care Practices for Caregivers

Taking care of yourself is something that you can practice. Setting aside just 10 or 15 minutes each day to nurture yourself strengthens your ability to cope and continue to give support to your loved one.  

Ways to Add Self Care to Your Routine: 

  • Take a nap
  • Go on a walk
  • Keep up with a hobby
  • Watch a movie
  • Go shopping (in moderation)
  • Work in the yard
  • Read a book
  • Watch a funny movie and laugh 
  • Journal
  • Carry on with your usual social activities
  • Eat healthfully
  • Keep a normal sleep schedule
  • Exercise
  • Keep up with your own medical needs and checkups 
  • Pray and/or meditate
  • Ask someone to relieve you of your caregiving responsibilities every now and then
  • Talk to a mental-health professional, like a Siteman Psychologist
  • Find a support system in your community or join a support group at Siteman 

Common Feelings Caregivers Report

There are so many feelings caregivers experience. These emotions shift from day to day and moment to moment. At some points you will feel joy and gratitude, and at others you can feel hopeless or angry. It is important to know that every feeling is okay and healthy to express. If you are caring for someone with cancer, it is important to accept and address your feelings as they come up. Emotions can act as clues to show what you need to do for yourself including seeking support from a professional. Caregivers of Siteman patients can find support through our online psychological services. Set up an appointment. 

How are you feeling? 
  • Sad that your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and that your life will change
  • Worried that you are not providing the correct care or that you loved one will not get well
  • Guilty that you have other responsibilities that prevent helping as much as you would like
  • Anxious about the mounting medical bills and increased time off from work
  • Hopeless in the face of cancer and its physical effects on your loved one
  • Lonely because no one understands what you feel
  • Exhausted from working and providing care for your loved one
  • Afraid of what may happen to you and your loved one in the future
  • Frustrated at your inability to make your loved one well again
  • Angry that you are feeling all the above emotions
  • Depressed because you are unable to get relief from these emotions
  • Grief at the thought of the death of your loved one
  • A sense of purpose–You really are fulfilling a valuable role

It is quite normal to feel all these emotions at one time or another. Being aware will help you find a way to cope with them and can make your ability to take care of your loved one even stronger.  

When More Care Is Needed:

At some point you and your loved one may need to have a difficult conversation about the level of care they need and the level of care you can give. Sometimes, the demands are too much and there is a need to bring in more support or seek out a place equipped to give a higher level of care than you can supply at home. Knowing when the level of care is beyond what you can do is loving, and there are options you can consider. Siteman’s care team members, like social workers, can help counsel you on what the next best step may look like for you. 

Levels of Cancer Care to Consider:

Transitional Care 

  • Palliative Care 
  • Hospice Care 

Respite Care 

  • Home Health Care 
  • Private Duty 

Learn more about Respite Care at Cancer Caregiver Support | American Cancer Society 

Online Resources for Caregivers

National Cancer Institute — cancer.gov 

Offers publications specifically targeted toward caregiver needs 

American Cancer Society — cancer.org 

Offers information, online communities and support specifically for caregivers 

Cancer Support Community — cancersupportcommunity.org 

A nonprofit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer. Offers information, online communities and support specifically for caregivers 

Cancer Care, Inc. — cancercare.org 

Offers information, online communities and support specifically for caregivers 

Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving — caregiver.org Offers information on advocacy and research as well as information on caregiving and support groups 

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society — LLS.org 

Offers information, online communities and support specifically for caregivers 

National Caregivers Library — caregiverslibrary.org 

Extensive online library for caregivers, offering articles, forms and checklists 

Lotsa Helping Hands — lotsahelpinghands.org 

Create a free, private community website to organize family and friends during times of need. Create a calendar in your private community to match volunteers to needed tasks. 

Caring Bridge — caringbridge.org 

Provides free websites that connect people experiencing a significant health challenge to family and friends by offering a private online space to communicate and show support 

Go Fund Me — gofundme.com 

Free online tool friends and family can use to contribute to loved ones’ medical and living expenses while battling an illness 

BJC Hospice — bjchospice.org 

Provides information on BJC Hospice