Margaretta Page, MS, RN, clinical nurse specialist, UCSF School of Medicine, discusses the importance of caring for the caregiver.

Page says the oncology community recognizes that the need for caregiver care is growing because of changes in healthcare. Due to shorter hospital stays and fewer incidences of interaction with the healthcare team, the caregiver has become part of the care team.

Because many cancer patients develop side effects that limit them from carrying out their daily tasks, it becomes the job of the caregiver, Page says. Because of this, caregivers need help with gathering information about their loved one’s tumor and treatment as well as emotional support and coaching on how to interact with healthcare providers.

Videos

Margaretta Page on Caring for the Caregiver

Margaretta Page, MS, RN, clinical nurse specialist, UCSF School of Medicine, offers advice to nurses for how to care for the caregiver.

Page says the first thing a nurse should do is acknowledge the caregiver and assess them for signs of distress. Nurses should ask the caregiver how they’re doing and ask them if they are in need of any information.

At the time of diagnosis, caregivers’ needs focus more around information, Page says. Caregivers also have difficulty dealing with the financial burden associated with insurance and disability of the patient.

Page says nurses should provide the caregivers with information or put them in touch with resources that are available to them.

Margaretta Page, MS, RN

Articles

Margaretta Page on Caring for the Caregiver

Margaretta Page Provides Advice for How to Care for the Caregiver