Balancing being a carer with other demands such as work, family or study can create feelings of being overwhelmed. It is common to feel unsure of where to turn for information and support. Cancer Council’s booklet, Caring for Someone with Cancer, is a great place to start. It explains the role of a carer and how to care for yourself. Specifically the book covers:
- Who is a carer? Read Isabella’s story about looking after her husband on page 5.
- How will I feel? Page 12 we provide tools on how to cope with emotions, such as anger or guilt.
- What carers do?
- Caring for yourself. Page 33 we provide tips on how to stay healthy.
- Working while caring
- How relationships change
- Caring for someone with advanced cancer
- Support and information
Order or download a copy at http://www.cancervic.org.au/get-support/family-and-friends/caring-for-someone
To speak with one of our experienced cancer nurses, call 13 11 20.
Other useful resources
In 2016 we held a webinar for carers where the theme was ‘looking after yourself when caring for someone with cancer’. We were fortunate to have the following diverse group of presenters on our panel:
- Mr Hamish Park supported his father through cancer
- Dr Carrie Lethborg Social Worker with extensive experience supporting people with cancer and their families
- Dr Anna Ugalde Research Fellow, researches the best forms of supportive care for people with cancer and their carers
- Ms Caroline Mulcahy CEO of Carers Victoria, the peak agency providing advocacy and support for unpaid, mostly family carers.
A carer who dialled into this webinar said “I just wanted to thank each of you for your time. I listened expecting to learn about caring for my husband but instead cried all the way through realising it was to learn about caring for myself. The focus is always on my husband and I forget about me...”
To listen to our webinar, follow this link: http://www.cancervic.org.au/get-support/family-and-friends/support-and-information-webinar
Cancer Council also provide an online community where people can share their experiences or ask questions when caring for someone with cancer.
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