ROLFE PANCREATIC CANCER FOUNDATION

SHOP CONTACT
DONATE

Being a Caregiver

Providing care for your family or friend undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer is no small undertaking.

While there are professionals who can be hired as in-home caregivers (nurses, home health aides, hospice physicians), often it is a spouse, partner, child, close friend, or family member who leads the care. Playing the role of caregiver is a challenge unto itself, and can be a serious, all-encompassing commitment. It is something that few people can do alone.

Make a Plan

Caregivers need help, too. Providing round-the-clock care to patients who are going through serious illnesses is a group effort. As a caretaker, while you may be the leader of that team, it is vital that you enlist others to help carry the load.

Most caregivers need to balance the demands of their professional lives with the urgency of their loved ones’ medical needs. While many employers are more than understanding during such trying times, the Family and Medical Act (FMLA) permits eligible employees take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave during a 12 month period for specified medical reasons, which includes caring for a spouse, parent, or child.

Find Caregiver Support Groups