Cancer: Family Support Tips

Calendar March 13, 2012 | Posted by Central Florida Regional

Cancer can take a toll not only on the person suffering with the disease, but also on that person’s family. Here are some ways to support all those who need it:

Educational support provides the knowledge often necessary to feel empowered and able to fight cancer. The American Cancer Society’s free I Can Cope classes are designed for adults facing cancer as well as friends and family members of those fighting cancer. The classes cover topics ranging from nutrition to pain management, and are taught online as well as in communities across the country.

Psychosocial support refers to mental and emotional wellbeing, individual or family counseling, support groups and other types of mental health support. This type of support can be beneficial to the person diagnosed with cancer as well as his or her family members, both adult and children. The spouse and the children of a person with cancer sometimes struggle with issues that go beyond the disease itself to include job and/or school pressures, financial concerns loss and grief. Some support groups meet face-to-face, while others are available online. Cancer Support Community: A Network of Education and Hope makes information and resources available so that no one faces cancer alone.

Caregiver support is about caring for the person who is caring for the cancer victim. The responsibilities and stress that go along with caring for someone suffering with cancer can leave a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and/or depressed. It’s important that a caregiver be able to take a break, and it’s helpful if he or she can connect with caregivers via a support group. The American Cancer Society offers a Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire designed to help a caregiver determine if his or her own wellbeing is suffering.

To learn more about support available to those facing cancer and family of those facing cancer, visit Central Florida Regional Hospital online or call us at (407) 302-7308.

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Welcome to the Cancer Resource Room
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About Central Florida Regional

Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition of this commitment, we strive to deliver high quality, cost effective healthcare in the communities we serve. In pursuit of our mission, we believe the following value statements are essential and timeless. ■We recognize and affirm the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual. ■We treat all those we serve with compassion and kindness. ■We act with absolute honesty, integrity and fairness in the way we conduct our business and the way we live our lives. ■We trust our colleagues as valuable members of our healthcare team and pledge to treat one another with loyalty, respect and dignity. VISION STATEMENT Central Florida Regional Hospital will be the hospital of choice in the communities we serve.
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