How to support families dealing with Cancer

Ladies Tea & Chat 22/05/24

Where to go and how to get help for families dealing with Cancer.

Led by Shabana Khan

Shabana has 20 years of counselling experience, she has worked with countless patients navigating the challenges of cancer. Her approach emphasizes empathy, tailored strategies, and a focus on holistic well-being for families.

Supporting families dealing with cancer requires sensitivity, empathy, and practical assistance.

Offer Emotional Support

• Be present: Sometimes just being there to listen is invaluable.
• Validate Feelings: Let them express emotions without judgment or trying to "fix" the situation.
• Encourage Counselling: Suggest professional support groups or counsellors if needed.

Practical Assistance

• Help with Daily Tasks: Offer to cook meals, run errands, babysit, or clean the house.
• Transportation: Volunteer to drive them to medical appointments or treatments.
• Financial Assistance: Cancer can be expensive, so help them find resources for financial aid or organize a fundraiser.

Educate Yourself

• Understand the Diagnosis: Learn about the type of cancer and its treatment to better support them.
• Respect Their Journey: Everyone processes illness differently, so follow their lead on how much they want to discuss or share.

Foster Normalcy

• Celebrate Small Joys: Plan simple, low-energy activities to keep a sense of normal life.
• Include the Kids: Ensure children in the family feel included and supported; help them maintain routines.

Encourage Self-Care

• For the Patient: Gently remind them to rest, hydrate, and prioritize their needs.
• For the Caregiver: Encourage them to take breaks and care for themselves to avoid burnout.

Connect Them with Resources

• Local Support Groups: Find community or online groups for cancer patients and families.
• Charitable Organizations: Suggest nonprofits that assist with financial, emotional, or logistical support.

Be Consistent

• Stay in Touch: Continue checking in, even when the initial crisis has passed.
• Be Reliable: Follow through on offers of help, no matter how small.

Respect Privacy

• Ask Before Sharing: Never share their story or updates without permission.
• Respect Their Wishes: Honor their choices, even if you might approach things differently.
• Your care and consistent presence can make a profound difference to families navigating the challenges of cancer.

Emotional Resilience

• Validation is Key: It is encouraged that family members to accept and express their emotions without guilt. Anger, sadness, and fear are all natural responses to such a profound experience.
• Active Listening: Listening without judgment helps build trust and provides a safe space for family members to share their concerns.

Involving Children

• Age-Appropriate Discussions: This highlights the importance of explaining cancer to children in simple terms, reassuring them while also addressing their fears honestly.
• Maintaining Routines: It is always encouraged for families to keep routines intact as much as possible, providing a sense of normalcy for children.

Conclusion:

The session was well received and highlighted the community's need for support. The questions about carers, respite care, and additional help indicate a pressing demand for accessible resources. All questions were answered and signposted where to go.