Support for carers and families
As a relative, partner, friend or neighbour of someone with cancer, it’s likely you will be a source of care and support to your loved one throughout their diagnosis and treatment.
Whether you’re in a more formal carer role or helping out as they need, it can take time to adjust to the role which may continue to change over time.
What can I do to help?
As a support person or carer you may help in the following ways:
Medical
Navigating treatment and keeping track of the different information can be overwhelming for the person with cancer. You can provide support by helping them manage their medical journey. This might mean helping keep a diary of symptoms and side effects, taking notes during appointments, managing medications and upcoming appointments, or working with the care team to help make care and treatment decisions for your loved one.
Practical
Someone with cancer can feel like their life is on hold. In addition to managing appointments and treatment, the person with cancer can often be experiencing physical side effects that impact their day-to-day life. Providing practical support such as cleaning the home, preparing meals or helping to care for children are often appreciated. You could also provide transport to and from treatment or ask if there are any regular activities you could take care of for the time being.
Emotional
Sometimes just being there for your loved one and offering your companionship can mean the most. Some ways to provide emotional support include being a good listener, providing comfort and understanding, communicating with family and friends, or helping access professional support if needed.
Legal and financial
Helping a person with cancer get their affairs in order can make things much easier for them and their family at a difficult time. This might mean assisting with paperwork or arranging to see a lawyer to make legal arrangements, or helping find the right support to manage the financial impact of cancer.
Where can I find support?
The role of a carer or support person is rewarding, yet demanding. Whether you’re new to the responsibilities of providing care or you’ve been doing it for some time, it’s important to take the time to look after yourself.
Just as there are many services available to those with cancer, as a carer you can also access professional services and support programs to help make things a little easier.
National body supporting a network of approximately 50,000 individual carers and supporting organisations. They provide advocacy and support for those in carer roles.
Young Carers New Zealand, a national information and support program for children and young people in caring roles.
The Cancer Society has many professional services and support programs to help make the life of a carer easier. They can also provide referrals to counselling services, as well as peer support programs that you can connect with online, by phone or in person.
Counselling and grief support
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards supporting New Zealanders towards positive mental health & well being. Here you can find a list of helplines and grief support.
Supporting children, young people, and their whānau to navigate through tough times. Providing communities with information, education, professional services and support. Wellington based.
The Grief Centre offers a variety of services to assist those who are grieving. They include counselling, support groups, brochures, books and articles.