Supporting a Loved One With Cancer: A Family Caregiver’s Guide

When a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis, everyone in the family feels it. The emotional weight, daily care responsibilities, and uncertainty can quickly become overwhelming. Many families try to manage everything alone (while juggling work, parenting, and personal obligations) until exhaustion sets in.

But you do not have to carry this burden by yourself.

As a Georgia-licensed Private Home Care Provider (PHCP), Devoted Home Care, LLC supports both cancer patients and the family members who care for them. This guide is designed to help caregivers understand what to expect, how to protect their own well-being, and when PCA support can help.

UNDERSTANDING THE EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES

• Fear of the unknown

• Anxiety about the patient’s health

• Guilt for feeling overwhelmed

• Sadness or grief

• Isolation from friends or social activities

It’s important to acknowledge these emotions rather than ignore them. Caregivers need support too.

RECOGNIZING THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF CAREGIVING

Day-to-day caregiving often includes physically demanding tasks such as:

• Helping with bathing and dressing

• Lifting or transferring

• Preparing meals

• Managing household chores

• Assisting with movement and mobility

Over time, this can lead to:

• Back pain

• Fatigue

• Tension

• Stress-related exhaustion

A PCA can reduce the physical strain by handling many of these tasks safely and professionally.

BALANCING WORK, FAMILY, AND CAREGIVING

Many caregivers struggle with balancing:

• Employment

• Their own children

• Household responsibilities

• Medical appointments

• And the emotional needs of the patient

This often leads to:

• Stress

• Missed work

• Family tension

• Feeling pulled in multiple directions

Home care support helps caregivers regain balance in their lives.

SIGNS OF CAREGIVER BURNOUT

Caregiver burnout is common and serious. Look for signs such as:

• Irritability

• Chronic exhaustion

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Anxiety or panic

• Forgetfulness

• Withdrawing from friends or hobbies

Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’ve been doing too much.

WORKING AS A TEAM: PCAS + FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Caregiving becomes easier when handled as a team.

A PCA can:

• Support daily routines

• Handle physically demanding tasks

• Provide respite care

• Offer companionship

• Keep the home environment safe

• Serve as consistent support during treatment

Meanwhile, family members can focus on what matters most: being emotionally present, loving, and supportive.

SETTING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

Caregivers often push beyond their limits out of love, but boundaries are essential.

Helpful boundaries include:

• Saying "yes" to help when offered

• Scheduling personal time

• Accepting that you cannot do everything

• Communicating needs clearly

• Recognizing your emotional limits

Healthy boundaries make you a stronger caregiver.

TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A LOVED ONE WITH CANCER

Communication during cancer can be sensitive. Try:

• Listening without interrupting

• Avoiding phrases that minimize their feelings

• Asking what they need instead of guessing

• Offering help without being pushy

• Being patient with mood changes or fatigue

Sometimes, the best support is simply being present.

WHEN TO CONSIDER PCA SUPPORT

You may need PCA assistance if:

• The patient has difficulty with ADLs

• You are physically exhausted

• Household tasks are becoming unmanageable

• Falls or safety concerns arise

• You feel stressed, overwhelmed, or burnt out

• You can’t attend every appointment

• You need time for work or family responsibilities

Professional help creates a safer, calmer environment for everyone.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE DEVOTED HOME CARE, LLC

Devoted Home Care, LLC is committed to supporting both patients and caregivers with:

• Compassionate PCA support

• Flexible scheduling (4 hours to 24-hour care)

• Housekeeping and meal assistance

• Mobility and safety supervision

• Transportation help

• Emotional and companionship support

• Full compliance with GA DCH Rule 111-8-65

We walk beside you at every stage of the cancer journey.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Being a caregiver is one of the hardest, and most meaningful, roles a person can take on. But you do not have to do it alone. PCA support can relieve stress, improve safety, and create the space for families to simply love and support each other.

If you’re caring for a loved one with cancer, Devoted Home Care, LLC is here to help.

📍 1755 The Exchange SE

       Atlanta, GA 30339

📞 (404) 333-86913

🌐 www.GeorgiaDHC.com