In late 2009, the Carle Cancer Center started a support group exclusively for caretakers of cancer patients. Organizers said the group is the first of its kind in the area.
According to Molly Caldwell, licensed social worker who facilitates the group meetings, the group was created with the goal of offering caregivers a support system of their own.
The Daily Illini talked with Caldwell about the new group.
The Daily Illini: What sorts of things do caregivers do for cancer patients?
Molly Caldwell: There are certainly logistical tasks that caregivers provide our cancer patients. These tasks include transportation to and from diagnostic tests, treatment and follow-up appointments, meal preparation, assistance with their loved one’s activities of daily living and other general housekeeping duties.
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Caregivers also act as medical advocates by coordinating and improving clinical care with physicians and medical staff. They may be the sole financial provider for the family, juggling their caregiver role and outside employment demands. Caregivers also provide a great deal of emotional support to loved ones.
DI: Why is it important for caregivers to have a support group?
Caldwell: There is something very therapeutic about talking with another individual who, at some level, shares your experience. Just as it is beneficial for cancer patients to connect with other cancer patients, it is beneficial for caregivers to connect with other caregivers. By communicating their shared experiences – similar stressors, fears and emotional pain – they can begin to relieve the sense of isolation that is practically universal for caregivers of cancer patients.
The support group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Houseworth Conference Room at the Carle Cancer Center in Urbana. It is free and open to all friends, family and caregivers regardless of where care is received.
DI: How many people come to the meetings?
Caldwell: We have about 4 to 6.
DI: What sorts of things do you focus on during the meetings?
Caldwell: We focus on the individual and immediate needs that caregivers are presented with. Caregivers may need to receive tips on healthy ways to cope, emotional support due to the distress of having a loved one with an aggressive disease, guidance with regards to financial concerns, medical management questions and resource acquisition, and positive, non-judgmental encouragement.We also focus on general caregiving topics such as self-care, signs of burnout and depression, and end-of-life issues.
