Learning that someone you love has just received a difficult diagnosis is never easy. It’s hard enough to process the new diagnosis, let alone next steps. And you may quickly find yourself intimately involved in their care, and called upon to handle critical decisions or care tasks. Unsure of where to start? Our Care Coordinators have put together a few tips and recommendations on where to begin.
Gather important paperwork and set up the necessary legal and financial documents if necessary. Be sure to store this info for easy access, and make sure that at least one person knows where to find this info.
Learn about the disease or condition, and all it entails. Medical terminology can be intimidating, so speak up about unfamiliar terms. Sometimes we forget to ask “what does that mean?” Asking for clarity will allow you and your family to feel confident in what’s going on.
Caring for a loved one is rewarding but also stressful, even for the most resilient people. It often comes with exhaustion, worry, and stress - potentially leading to caregiver burnout. Don’t forget to look after your own needs!
Lean on other family members and/or support systems. Allowing others to help can take some of the pressure off and allow you to also care for yourself. People want to help, so don’t be afraid to lean on others for additional support.