Care for Caregivers

Helping lymphoma patients with day-to-day tasks: food shopping; preparing meals; bathing and dressing; transportation to medical appointments; taking medications, and providing emotional support-may sometimes feel like a full-time job. Some caregivers find keeping a list or schedule of appointments helps them feel more organized.

You may experience anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and exhaustion as a result of the patient's diagnosis and treatment. As a caregiver, it is important that you maintain your own health and well-being. Make sure you take enough time to care for yourself. Having a support system of people you can to turn to and speak with about your feelings may help reduce stress.

Members of the healthcare team (a social worker or a psychologist) can recommend resources such as caregivers support groups or individual counseling. You may also want to refer to lymphoma message boards for more resources and visit the Lymphoma Support Network (LSN) to connect with other caregivers who have had similar experiences.

Trained Lymphoma Research Foundation staff members can also help you as you care for a loved one with lymphoma. Contact our Helpline at: 800-500-9976 or e-mail helpline@lymphoma.org.