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NorthShore’s online source for timely health and wellness news, inspiring patient stories and tips to lead a healthy life.
By Susan J. White
Caregiving for a loved one battling cancer can be stressful in the best of times. And the stress is often magnified during the holidays and year-end season when calendars are more crowded and expectations to maintain festive traditions are high.
Caregivers accompanying patients to clinical appointments don’t typically express how they are feeling, or reveal their own worries or stresses, said Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital hematology/oncology specialist Fatema Esmail, MD, but clinicians understand that caregivers play an important role in their patients’ health.
“People can get burned out with everything going on at this time of year and things that used to be enjoyable now just feel like an obligation,” said Dr. Esmail, who urged caregivers to get more comfortable with expressing their feelings and reaching out to others for help.
Consider these six tips for caregiving during the holidays:
We know that patients worry about their caregivers, whether it’s an adult child, partner, spouse or close friend, even if the caregiver doesn’t directly express their feelings. “Most patients do realize the toll it takes on their loved ones,” said Dr. Esmail.
“It’s not easy, there are a lot of emotional and physical demands on caregivers, but it’s essential to take care of yourself. If you don’t have friends and family to lean on there are respite services and resources that can provide help,” added Dr. Esmail.
NorthShore University HealthSystem, Swedish Hospital, Northwest Community Healthcare and Edward-Elmhurst Health are now united under one name, Endeavor Health. We’re setting a new standard for healthcare that’s focused on you, because your best health is our endeavor. Learn more.
Learn more about cancer support services at Endeavor Health Cancer Institute.