easy tracking of medical appointments and caregiver responsibilities. Also, consider digital options. A shared electronic calendar and note-taking system may be helpful. A hybrid method may be best; try a digital calendar and a handwritten journal.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends organizing the following information:
- A valid form of ID
- Proof of insurance
- List of medications
- Emergency contact information, including physicians, caregivers and pharmacy
- Patient’s health information, including labs, prescriptions and treatment
- Scheduling information, including appointments and caregivers
- Insurance and billing information, including receipts
- Legal documents, including health care powers of attorney, living will, advance directives, trusts, wills and guardianship papers
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Delegate tasks
According to ASCO, there are ways to make caregiving a team effort. Create a list of tasks that will be involved with caregiving. Some tasks to include:
- Picking up prescriptions
- Household chores
- Rides to appointments
- Child care
- Insurance and billing issues
- Pet care
Friends and family can be assigned these individual tasks and then scheduled in the planner. This helps keep everyone on task.
Physical care of the patient
The patient may need assistance with dressing, feeding, grooming and toileting. ASCO suggests inquiring about rehabilitation services. A visiting nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist and others can come into the home and help manage the patient’s care.
They can teach you how to help the patient when they are absent. These services can be arranged by your primary care physician or specialist, and they are often covered by insurance. They can work with the patient during treatment and after treatment has finished.
Self-care matters
Taking care of yourself during this time is vital.
UCSF Health recommends the following to help avoid caregiver burnout:
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- Eat well and drink water
- Exercise at least three times a week, or take a short daily walk
- Let family and friends help you
- Keep the lines of communication open
- Schedule pleasurable, meaningful activities several times a week
- Join a support group
- American Cancer Society: Information on caregiving and support communities
- CancerCare.org: Online support groups, counseling, education assistance, education
- National Cancer Institute: Information for caregivers and information on clinical trials
- Livestrong: Emotional support and other resources
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Information, support and other resources
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: Caring for the caregiver — Cancer Survival Toolbox
Watch for signs of stress or burnout, including impatience, sleep difficulty, and difficulty concentrating or with memory. If any of these problems last more than a week or two, call your doctor.
