Making decisions about care

Taking on the role of carer can be unsettling, especially as it can happen at any time and may not have been planned. However, caring can also be a positive and rewarding experience. As a carer, it’s important to find a balance between what you think you can or should offer by way of support.

Each person with cancer is an individual with their own wishes and needs, and it’s important to respect their preferences.

However, you must also recognise that they may understate their need for help – so as not to be a burden to you, or simply because they don’t realise the demands that the illness and treatment may create. Their need for support may change over time.

It’s important to recognise that, at a time of uncertainty, they may need to feel in control of their life, so wherever possible they should be involved in making decisions about their care.

Talking about what support you can provide will help you identify what’s needed. This may be someone to listen, someone to share thoughts and feelings with, or someone to provide practical help such as driving, shopping or housework.

It may be that you don’t feel able to provide the type of support they need. But you can help to find that care from a range of organisations.

It’s important, as a carer, to look after your own health and wellbeing and to recognise what you can and can’t do yourself. See the section, looking after yourself|.