Being a Caregiver

Being a caregiver is a challenge. One that can engulf someone’s life, identity, and well-being. When caring for and advocating for a loved one with cancer, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Dealing with anticipatory grief, insurance companies, managing appointments, tracking and administering medications, navigating paperwork, learning how to interpret results, and orchestrating care at home in the midst of worry, fear, and the rest of life’s demands, like parenting, housework, and keeping other loved ones updated, a person can start to lose themselves and forget how to experience hope and joy. It is important to find ways to set healthy boundaries, prioritize carving out time for decompressing, relief, and rest. Seeking therapy, support groups or other resources is a must. Below are a few resources to support caregivers on their journeys.

  • Managing Caregiver Burnout

    Identifying exhaustion, setting boundaries and practicing guilt-free self care

  • American Cancer Society Caregiver Resource Guide

    Caring for a loved one with Cancer

  • Processing Complex Emotions

    Coping with anticipatory grief, fear of the unknown and the strain on personal relationships, marriages and parenting.

  • Cancer Support Community Los Angeles Also Serving Palm Springs & The Coachella Valley

    Programs, Diagnosis & Population-Specific Groups, Caregiver, Child, Teen, & Family Groups, Short-Term Counseling. *Offering Spanish and English Service

  • Cancer Support Community Organization

    Caregivers Page

  • Family Caregiver Alliance & CarNav

    Caregiver Resources in Multiple Languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Filipino (Tagalog), Korean, Traditional Chinese

  • Cancer Hope Network: Hopeful Hearts Peer Mentorship: Parents Helping Parents

    Parents Supporting Parents

  • Navigating the Medical System

    Communicating effectively with oncologists and other health care professionals, tracking medication schedules, and managing side effects at home.

  • CancerCare; When your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer

    General, live, and online caregiver support groups, education, and workshops. *Not breast cancer specific.