Help for Mesothelioma Caregivers:
Mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleural lining of the lungs, is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos-related diseases kill more than 30,000 people annually. Mesothelioma is fatal, painful, difficult to treat, and is often diagnosed at a late stage. In fact, the average patient receives a diagnosis of mesothelioma at age 69. As a result, caring for a loved one with this disease can be heartbreaking and challenging.In addition to physical care-giving tasks, like managing prescriptions and treatments, coordinating treatment schedules, and bathing and feeding your loved one, you may also be dealing with the financial and legal aspects of a mesothelioma diagnosis. It’s important to understand that your frustration, fear, anger, and sadness are completely normal.
What Can You Do?
Amidst the daily tasks of care-giving, it’s important to find time to take care of yourself.
- Find a support group.
While talking to friends and family can be helpful, spending time with other mesothelioma caregivers can be invaluable. Ask your loved one’s oncologist or mesothelioma lawyer for a group near you.
- Take time off when available.
If your loved one’s insurance provides respite care, take advantage of this time. If a friend or family member offers to help you, accept their offer. You need a chance to recharge your own batteries before getting back to caring for others.
- Eat properly.
Don’t forget to eat! When consumed with all of the daily tasks of caring for someone with a chronic disease, it can be easy to forget to eat and stay hydrated. Make nutritious meals for you and your loved one to help your own body stay healthy.
- Find ways to reduce stress.
Find ways to relax and reduce stress and anxiety, even if you can’t get away every day. Yoga, meditation, exercise, or even a walk around the neighborhood can help you feel more balanced and ready to take on the challenges of care-giving.
- Ask for help.
It can be hard to ask for help, but it isn’t a sign of weakness to admit that you can’t do it alone. Reach out to friends and loved ones before you reach a breaking point. Contact your loved one’s medical providers or lawyer and ask for resources. We also offer a Mesothelioma Help and Support Resource Center on our website.Remember, you can’t take care of your loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.
If a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation and assistance. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376), or contact us here.
