Cancer does a lot of damage to your family member’s health and to her quality of life. You can help her to recapture some of that quality of life, but you may have to get rid of some misconceptions first. These are some of the more common ones you might encounter.

There Are Good Days and Bad Days

Your family member is going to have good days and she’s going to have bad days. Some of the days that aren’t so great, she might still look just as healthy or ready to go as she always does. The best thing to do is to avoid assuming anything. When she’s having a good day, take advantage of that fact but don’t push too hard. Days that aren’t so great are for resting and recharging.

It’s No One’s Fault

Humans like to find a cause or a reason for everything, including horrible problems such as cancer. The reality, though, is that there’s no room for blame or for finding fault. First of all, it doesn’t change the situation, and second of all, your family member’s remaining days do not need guilt attached to them. Avoid worrying about what caused the disease and focus on helping your family member.

Squeeze Every Bit of Joy out of Life that You Can

While cancer is a big part of your senior’s life right now, that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to do or to talk about. Find ways to help your family member to get as much out of the life that she has left as she can. Look for ways to incorporate activities that she enjoys into every single day.

Palliative Care Doesn’t Mean You Accept that This Is It

Having palliative care services available is another way that you’re helping your affected family member to get the most out of the life that she has left. It’s about managing her symptoms for her and helping her to get what she needs.

Contrary to most theories, choosing palliative options does not mean that you’re giving up or that this is the end.
Every person’s journey with cancer is different. Do what you can as your elderly family member’s caregiver to help ease her path.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering palliative care in Upper Darby, PA, please contact the caring staff at Serenity Hospice today. Call (215) 867-5405.