Finding out that your aging loved one is suffering from cancer can be one of the most upsetting and intimidating pieces of information that you can learn when you are a caregiver for an elderly parent. When this happens, however, you can help your parent to cope with it and move forward in the best way possible by offering them support, guidance, and encouragement that empowers them to make the decisions that are right for them and get through the situation in the best way possible. One of the most important decisions that your senior will have to make after they find out that they are living with cancer is the type of treatment that they will pursue. This can be a confusing and overwhelming choice, and it is extremely important that you are there to help them through it in a compassionate, respectful way.

Use these tips to guide your parent through their cancer treatment decisions after their diagnosis:

• Encourage them to think about it. Your parent might feel urgent to make a decision that will get them on their treatment as fast as possible as soon as they are diagnosed. Encourage them, however, to take a short time to think about the options so that they can make the decision that is right for them.

• Empower them to make their own decisions. Elderly adults often feel as though they have to go along with what the doctor tells them because they are the head of the medical team and they believe that they know the best. Remind them, however, that this is just the doctor who found the cancer and that they are not the only person who can treat your loved one. Empower them to listen to what this doctor has to say but do not hesitate to find another doctor whose thoughts and opinions regarding treatment correspond properly with your parent’s.

• Go over the options. When your parent finds a doctor who they get along with and who they trust, go over all of the different treatment and care options that are available. Help your parent understand what each of them entails and what they would need to go through so that they can make a truly informed decision.

• Stay out of it. It is normal to immediately have thoughts and opinions regarding your parent’s diagnosis and treatment, but it is not your place to jump in and offer those opinions. If your parent asks what you think, respectfully offer your thoughts, but ensure that they are making the decisions that they want, not just following what you think

Starting home care for your aging parent can be an exceptional way to be an involved and dedicated family caregiver while also ensuring that any care gaps that exist are managed properly and efficiently so that your loved one can get the care, support, encouragement, and assistance that they need. This will help them to stay safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy while also pursuing activity and independence throughout their later years. This can be particularly beneficial during challenging times, such as if you are a distance caregiver and not able to be with your parent as often as you would want to be, or if your senior has been struggling with a particularly difficult health challenge that requires additional care and support. Knowing that your loved one has access to the highly
personalized care and services offered by such a care provider will give you greater peace of mind and confidence knowing that they will have everything that they need both when you are able to be with them and when you are not.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.