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All Cancer Support Community Central Ohio programs are evidence and research based, professionally led and are provided at no cost!
caregivers
The Cancer Support Community Central Ohio provides programs that complement traditional medical care. Psychosocial support is considered "the other half of cancer care". Research shows that participation in the type of programs offered at the Cancer Support Community Central Ohio decreases stress, improves quality of life and may increase the potential of long-term survival. All cancer wellness programs and services are provided at no cost to the participant.
Join us for educational and support programs recognizing Caregiver's ability to effectively care for their loved one and addressing their own needs.
Caregiver Support Group
Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Cancer Support Community Central Ohio
Support is much more than "sharing feelings." If you are a spouse, adult child, friend or family member who helps support others, you need support too. This is a great place for getting insight and sharing experiences about caregiving. As a caregiver it makes a difference to be with others who understand and share from their experience.
For every patient diagnosed there is a Caregiver
Caregivers provide physical, emotional, spiritual, financial and logistical support in the face of chronic, disabling and life-threatening illness. Caregivers play a key role in helping someone with cancer manage the disease and its treatments, but caregivers also benefit from the same sorts of support.
The Cancer Support Community's educational and support programs are based on the "CARE Active" concept, which stresses recognizing your ability to care effectively for your loved one while addressing your own needs:
- People who care about someone with cancer can become active participants in enhancing health and wellness for themselves and their loved ones, and nurturing their relationships through and beyond the cancer experience.
- Being CARE Active is more than just coping with cancer and the stress it brings. It is about actively recognizing your ability to care effectively for your loved one and, at the same time, it is about your ability to address your own physical and emotional needs. This attitude requires thinking through the problems that arise to make small, incremental choices that will enhance the quality of your life and your relationship with the cancer patient.
Here are some suggestions for things you can do for yourself. Even a few minutes of "self help" can ease the stresses of caregiving. You'll stay healthier and your loved one may feel less guilty about accepting your support.
- Be honest about what you can do. Think about tasks you can give others and letting go of tasks that aren't so important at this time
- Join a caregiver support group. Being with others who are sharing your experiences can be uplifting, whether you are joining the conversation or just listening to shared advice and ideas for coping. Just knowing you are not alone can be helpful.
- Take steps to keep your energy up; light exercise, such as our weekly yoga classes or "Walk With a Doc" outings, actually make you feel less helpful.
- Make time for things you enjoy, such as art, cooking, or handcrafts, alone or in the company of friends.
