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Supporting Your Senior Loved One with Breast Cancer

Oct 3, 2024 | Caregiver Support, Featured, Health & Wellness | 0 comments

When a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be a frightening experience for everyone involved. Providing crucial support is essential, especially since elderly individuals with breast cancer face a higher risk of experiencing side effects and treatment-related mortality. Taking care of a loved one with breast cancer requires offering emotional support, practical care, and coordinating medical treatment. Let’s explore tips for supporting your senior loved one with breast cancer.

Emotional Support

A cancer diagnosis, regardless of age, can be frightening. Letting your loved one know that you’re there for them can make a significant difference in their life during this challenging time.

It’s important to check in with them regularly and ask how they feel physically and mentally. Being there to listen and talk through their feelings is one of the most important ways you can support them emotionally. Try to resist the urge to tell them to be positive. Consider connecting them with breast cancer support groups or others who are going through similar experiences so that your loved one doesn’t feel alone.

Medical Care

Staying up to date on your loved one’s treatment plan and health status is critical for supporting your senior loved one with breast cancer. If possible, join them on their doctor’s visits to be their advocate, ensure they understand their care options, and ask questions.

When a care plan is decided, help your loved one manage their medications and ensure that they are taken on schedule. Look out for symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or changes in appetite and report them to their doctor.

Day-to-Day/Home Care

You may not know how to provide practical support to your loved one fighting breast cancer. However, there are countless simple things you can do that can help take some pressure off of them so they can focus on healing. Examples include:

  • Grocery shopping.
  • Cleaning up around the house.
  • Cooking for them.
  • Preparing meals that can be frozen.
  • Doing their laundry.
  • Assisting with their personal hygiene, such as bathing and dressing.
  • Caring for/walking their pets.
  • Making their living area as comfortable as possible.

It may be easier for your loved one to accept your support if you are clear about the help you can provide. Instead of asking, “How can I help?” it might be better to offer a specific example, such as, “Can I do the dishes for you?”

Self-Care

Remember to take care of yourself as well. It’s important to support your senior loved one with breast cancer, but it’s equally important to look after your own well-being. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just impact the person with the disease; it also affects their loved ones, especially if you are their primary caregiver. Practicing self-care can help you avoid caregiver burnout.

  • Eat nutritious meals.
  • Don’t skip mealtimes.
  • Exercise at least 15-30 minutes per day.
  • Get adequate sleep.
  • Practice mindfulness and meditation.
  • Make time for your favorite hobbies.
  • Talk to a therapist or loved one about the challenges of caregiving.
  • Stay connected to friends and social situations.
  • Join a caregiver support group.
  • Ask for help. Reach out to close loved ones and ask them to take on a few of your responsibilities. 

Many caregivers feel like they can’t make time for themselves. However, it’s essential. A well-rested, healthy, and emotionally supported caregiver can provide better care for others.

How Grand Oaks Can Help

Grand Oaks is situated on the grounds of Sibley Memorial Hospital and is supported by the expertise of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Residents have direct access to the Sullivan Breast Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital, as well as Sibley’s emergency, rehabilitative, aquatic, and restorative care services. Additionally, residents benefit from medical director oversight, on-site physician services, therapy services, and more.

See our comprehensive care in action by scheduling a tour today.

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