When someone you love has cancer

Being a caregiver can be taxing, but looking after someone with cancer comes with its own special challenges. Take a look below at some tips to help you meet them.

Eating

• Talk to your loved one’s healthcare practitioners about what any food guidelines they recommend before preparing meals.
• Encourage your loved one to eat – and serve the day’s largest meal – when their appetite is strongest. For many, this will be the first thing in the morning.
• If your loved one has trouble eating large meals, try breaking the day’s nutrition down into many smaller meals spaced several hours apart.

Bathing

• Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature for your loved one (not just “too hot” or “too cold” for YOU to touch).
• If they can, let your loved one do as much of the bathing themselves in order to maintain their dignity.
• When toweling your loved one off, pat (don’t rub) their skin, which can be painful to them.
• Since cancer patients often have dry skin, you may want to apply a moisturizer after bathing.

Caring for a person with cancer can be a lot to handle, but you’re not alone. Reach out for any help available – personal or professional – to make it easier on both of you.