Finding the Right Support as a Caregiver of Cancer Patients

Looking after yourself matters too, especially when you are caring for someone else. Your own health and wellbeing are important, and can help you feel better supported and better able to manage the demands of caring.[1] There are several ways to find practical and emotional support for carers, depending on what you need.

How to Cope with your Emotions

There is no right or wrong way to feel when someone you care about has cancer. You may experience a mixture of emotions, sometimes all at once. You may experience sadness, worry, frustration, guilt or other difficult emotions. Talking to someone you trust can help. Some people find it useful to write their thoughts down. 

Try to make time for yourself and take breaks where possible. If you notice that you are struggling with your mood, sleep or ability to cope, consider talking to your GP or another healthcare professional.

There is no need to wait until you are struggling to ask for support. Needing support does not mean you are failing as a carer. Recognising when you are reaching your limits can help you take action before you become overwhelmed.

Creating a Support Network

Talking to family and friends about how you are feeling can help. You may also find it helpful to connect with other carers through local or online support groups and communities.[1]

Tips on Taking Care of your Physical Health

Try to eat nutritious meals regularly, and choose foods that you enjoy and that help you feel well, where you can. If you are tired, you could ask a family member or friend to help make meals in advance. Where you can, prioritise rest and sleep. If sleep is difficult because of worry or caring responsibilities, speak to your GP or another healthcare professional for support. 

Finding time to be physically active may not feel like a priority when you are caring for someone else, and that is understandable. If you can, try to include some movement in a way that feels manageable and enjoyable for you. This does not need to be intensive - a walk, some gentle stretching or time spent gardening can all count. If you already enjoy activities such as sport, swimming or going to the gym, continuing with these when you can may also provide a valuable opportunity to have some time for yourself.[2] 

Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain your usual routines, so focus on small, realistic changes that work for you. There is no need to do everything perfectly, and even small amounts of movement, rest or time for yourself can be valuable.

Understanding Respite Care

Respite care can provide a break from caring by arranging for someone else to support the person you care for. This could include support at home, day care or a short stay in a care home, depending on your circumstances and what is available locally.[3] If you are an unpaid carer in England, you can contact your local council to request a free carer’s assessment. This looks at how caring affects your life and what support you may be entitled to, which could include help with taking a break from caring.[4] Your local council or carer service can also provide information about respite options and other support available in your area.

You do not have to manage everything on your own. Accepting support can give you time to rest, attend to your own needs and share some of the practical responsibilities of caring. Think about whether there are tasks that family, friends or others could help with, such as preparing meals, doing the food shopping, providing transport or spending time with the person you care for while you take a break.

Asking for help is not a sign that you are not coping. If you feel able to, let people around you know what would be most helpful, and accept support when it is offered.[5] 

Caring can create financial pressure, particularly if you reduce your working hours or stop working.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support such as Carer’s Allowance or other benefits. You may also be able to access support through your local council or charitable organisations [6]. Eligibility and entitlement vary, so check the most up-to-date information through GOV.UK or speak to a recognised carers’ organisation for advice about your circumstances.

A carer’s assessment can also help identify practical support you may be entitled to through your local council [4]. Some charities provide or signpost grants and other financial support for people affected by cancer, although eligibility criteria will vary. 

Balancing work and caregiving can be challenging. If you feel comfortable doing so, talking to your employer may help you identify arrangements that make your responsibilities more manageable.

Employees have a statutory right to request flexible working and may be entitled to unpaid carer’s leave. You may also be able to take a reasonable amount of time off to deal with certain emergencies involving a dependant. Your employer may offer additional support or flexibility for people with caring responsibilities, so check your workplace policies alongside the latest GOV.UK guidance. 

There are several sources of cancer carer support and information available:

• Cancer Research UK provides information for carers and its Cancer Chat online forum.[1]
• Macmillan Cancer Support offers information, emotional support and practical guidance for people caring for someone with cancer.[5]
• NHS information explains carer’s assessments, respite care and other social care support.[3,4]
• GOV.UK provides current information about Carer’s Allowance, other benefits and employment rights.[6–8]
• Carers UK provides information and advice for unpaid carers (https://www.carersuk.org/).
• Carers Trust provides information and access to local carer services (https://carers.org/).

Your GP, cancer care team or local council may also be able to direct you towards appropriate support and services in your area. Remember, you do not have to navigate caring responsibilities alone. Reaching out for support can help you look after your own wellbeing and find practical and emotional support when you need it.