Health & Fitness
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis In Your Senior Loved One
Has your senior loved one been diagnosed with cancer? Read our blog to find out how you can help them through this difficult time.
A cancer diagnosis is a shock at any age. As our loved ones age, the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis increases for many reasons. The most important thing that a loved one can remember is that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. There are many treatment options available for most types of cancer.
Seniors face additional challenges when dealing with cancer and treatment. As a caregiver, there are many things you can do to help.
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- First and foremost, bear in mind that it has been well documented that a positive attitude and feeling supported is beneficial to every aspect of dealing with cancer. Simply being there for your senior loved one can help them cope.
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- Help research the best treatment options. Attending doctor’s appointments to take notes and ask questions can be invaluable when receiving an overwhelming amount of information.
- Coordinate help with other family and friends. Everyone wants to help in time of a health crisis, but no one really knows what to do. Arrange for help with meal preparation, cleaning, running errands and transportation to doctor’s appointments.
- Listen. As simple as it sounds, listen to your loved one. Taking time to process feelings and emotions is essential to healing.
- Recognize that there may be a time that your senior loved one needs more help than you can provide. This can be a challenging conversation but there are many support systems that can guide you through this process.
If your senior loved one is struggling with cancer treatment and can no longer stay home alone during the day, an adult day care may be the perfect answer. Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is the premier adult day care provider located in Fenton, MO. Our mission at Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is to ensure our members enjoy Good Living Longer. We are licensed by the State of Missouri and welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your loved one to answer any questions you have about adult day care. Please feel free to visit our website at www.goodlivinglonger.com or call us at 636-343-1600.
Article by Beverly McKee, MSW, LCSW