Page 13 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - October 2017 - 24-10

Senior Times - October 2017 Page 13
Caregivers may find that their loved one with cancer is angry, quiet and withdrawn, or just sad. Try to be there for them – offer to listen. If they aren’t ready to talk, don’t try to force them. They may need quiet time to figure out their own thoughts before they can talk with someone. Caregivers may get the feeling that loved ones aren’t talking to them because they want to spare feelings. Caregiv- ers need to make sure to let survivors know they are open to talking, even about tough topics. It might be a good idea to agree on some limits to what will be expected of each other.
Despite the sadness and shock of having
a loved one with cancer, many people find personal satisfaction in caring for that person. They may see it as a meaningful role that allows them to show their love and respect for the person. They might feel a deep sense of satisfaction, confidence, and accomplish- ment in caring for someone. The caregiving role can open up doors to new friends and relationships, too. Through a support group, they can get to know people who have faced the same kinds of problems. Caregiving can also draw families together and help people feel closer to the person who needs care.
Caregiving can also be frustrating and painful. They may feel sadness and grief over their loved one’s illness and may also feel overwhelmed or frustrated as they try to man- age many difficult problems. Caregivers can develop physical symptoms, like tiredness and trouble sleeping. This is more likely to be a problem for caregivers who aren’t able to get the support they need, and who don’t take care of themselves – especially those who
try to press forward alone, even as their own quality of life suffers.
Caring for someone going through cancer treatment can be demanding, but being good at it can give a sense of meaning and pride.
These good feelings can help provide the strength and endurance to continue in the role for as long as needed.
Watching his wife go through her breast cancer treatment, Roger Sommers was unsure was to expect. “Watching Joy go through
her cancer journey filled me with sadness
and devastation. I tried to be there for her by asking what I could do and give her atten- tion when she wanted it. I also made sure to keep her distracted with many visits from
the grandkids.” When asked what advice he would pass on to others serving as caregiv- ers, Roger said, “Reach out to the American Cancer Society, they have a lot of resources you can use to help prepare yourself. Try to be supportive. Each person reacts to their diagnosis differently, and you need to support your person as best as you can, without tell- ing them to ‘get over it’ or anything like that - the scars (physical/emotional) go long
beyond the actual diagnosis and treatment. Just because their treatment has ended doesn’t mean they go on like nothing ever happened. They are forever changed.”
If you are needing help as a caregiver
or patient, explore cancer.org or call the American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center toll-free number, 1-800- 227-2345. They are here to help any time, day or night.
You can join Linda, Joy, and Roger at the 2017 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Calhoun County on Saturday, October 21, at Mill Race Park. Check-in opens at 8:30am with the non-competitive 5K or 1-mile walk starting at 10am. Funds raised go towards breast cancer research and patient services. Visit MakingStridesWalk.org/Calhoun- CountyMI or call (517) 664-1403 for more information.
Calhoun County Medical Care Facility
Short-Term Therapy
Short term therapy is used to transition individuals home by providing on-site physical, occupational & speech therapies.
Therapists work with residents to help them restore their mobility & function, manage pain, and achieve outcomes.
Our goal is to increase independence with daily tasks & to make sure residents recover quickly before returning home.
Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care Center
Restorative Exercise
Restorative exercise is a part of the activities at the adult day care center.
Restorative exercise includes riding the NuStep bike, using the pulleys, and walking on parallel bars.
Maintaining joint functions through simple movements is an important part of a daily routine.
1150 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269)962-5458or(269)962-1750 www.ccmcf.com