Dr. Nimira Alimohamed, MD, FRCPC, Medical Oncologist

Duration: 3 minutes and 20 seconds

Caregiving for a loved one with bladder cancer can be both challenging and rewarding. Caregivers play a crucial role in providing physical, emotional, and practical support. Here we will discuss some considerations for caregivers, along with supportive options to help manage the responsibilities of caring for your loved one during this time.

The first recommendation is to try to learn about the cancer and treatment options. Understanding the disease and treatment will help you provide informed support and anticipate potential challenges. Learn about bladder cancer, its stages, and treatment options. Feel free to ask the medical team questions and prepare for the appointments by thinking of question and writing them down ahead of time. It may also help to know the treatment plan. Familiarize yourself with the treatment regimen, including medications, side effects, and upcoming appointments. You might need big notebook or binder to keep all of this organized! At home, keep an eye for any side effects or changes in the patient’s condition and report them to the healthcare team. This helps in managing and adjusting treatments effectively.

The second thing that most caregivers are faced with are the aspects of daily care of their loved one. The patient may need help to with their medication regimens and monitoring for side effects. Some patients also require assistance with their activities of daily living, such as meal preparation, personal hygiene, and mobility. Reach out to the medical team to find out if there are additional supports which can be leveraged at home, including home care supports. What your loved one needs is likely to evolve over time so please ask for additional supports as the needs change.

The third recommendation for caregivers is to find support for the patient and yourself. You may be providing emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance to your loved one. Caregiving can be demanding, so it’s important to take time for self-care. Maintain your own health, seek relaxation, and engage in activities you enjoy. Establish clear boundaries to balance caregiving with your personal life. Avoid burnout by recognizing when you need to take breaks or ask for help. Professional counseling can help caregivers cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of caregiving. Join support groups for caregivers of cancer patients. These groups may provide a space to share experiences, gain insights, and receive emotional support. There are many resources offered by cancer organizations and local community services which may help. These might include respite care, educational materials, and financial assistance.

By addressing these considerations and utilizing available support options, caregivers can better manage the demands of caregiving while maintaining their own well-being and providing effective support to their loved one with bladder cancer.

Presenter: Dr. Nimira Alimohamed, Oncologist, Calgary, AB

Local Practitioners: Oncologist