Acknowledging the Special Traits of Caregivers
Compassion
Trying to understand what the loved one is experiencing and responding to that. Natural empathy and compassion – gentleness draws us together.
Patience
“Patience is a virtue” – still remains true! Patience while caregiving enhances calmness to be able to help with treatment side effects and pain management.
Dependability/Reliability
Our loved ones are depending on us to travel in the treatment journey with them as much as possible. Being dependable is a balancing act with trying to remain independent. Making a plan on how we will be there with our loved one is key to day-to-day, week-to-week routine so that we remain reliable and dependable to follow through caregiving commitment.
Flexibility
Great routines established may from time to time require change. Here again, reliability and flexibility are a balance. Moods, care needs, abilities, and behaviors all play a part in the “routine.” Empathy and patience come into play once again. Read this article from ASCO about caregiver support in stressful times.