Wellness for Caregivers
Caring from a Distance
by Polly Mazanec, PhD, CNP
In the past, families often lived around the corner from one another, making it easy to help loved ones who were living with cancer. Now, caregiving is more challenging because many adult children live far away from their parents due to economic reasons, employment, and school. They are today’s “distance caregivers.”
Caring for a Loved One with Cancer
Many cancer patients today receive part of their care at home. People with cancer are living longer, and many patients want to be cared for at home as much as possible. This support is often given by family caregivers. Today, family caregivers do many things that used to be done in the hospital or a doctor's office. In fact, they play a large role in the health care system in the United States.
November is National Family Caregivers Month
Across our country, millions of family members, neighbors, and friends provide care and support for their loved ones during times of need. With profound compassion and selflessness, these caregivers sustain American men, women, and children at their most vulnerable moments, and through their devoted acts, they exemplify the best of the American spirit. During National Family Caregivers Month, we pay tribute to the individuals throughout America who ensure the health and well-being of their relatives and loved ones.
