When someone close to you is living with cancer, you are likely to come into contact with a number of health and social care professionals. It is helpful to develop a relationship with those professionals so that you work together with them as a partnership.
Professionals may not have all the answers
It is important to remember that health professionals don’t always have all the answers. Try to find out as much as you can about each individual’s role in the care team. This will help you to turn to the right person straight away when you have a question or problem. It will also help you to have realistic expectations about what they can do for you and the person you are caring for.
What you can do
If you can give them as much up-to-date information as you can about both the patient’s situation and how it is affecting you, they will be better equipped to help you both. Remember that the professionals are there for you as a carer as well as the patient. But there may be times when they can’t share information with you about the patient, or with the patient about you, particularly if you or the patient has asked them to keep things confidential.
Support for professionals
Healthcare professionals are human too! If you smile, and say thank you, this will often make their day. You may find that professionals become emotionally involved, especially if they are working with you and the patient for a long time.
You may be able to offer practical support during treatment and procedures, for example by holding the patient in a certain position or comforting them by simply holding their hand.
Communication among different health professionals
Note down the names of all the professionals, and their secretaries where possible, who are involved in caring for the person with cancer. Try and find out how they work together to keep each other informed and up to date.
Although the health professionals will keep the patient’s medical records, you may find it helpful to have your own notes of appointments and conversations. They can provide a personal record and help you keep track of what’s been agreed.
You may want to keep records of the drugs the patient is taking so you can double check that prescriptions are correct. It may be helpful to monitor and note down how the patient is feeling, for example between each chemotherapy session.
Follow-up care
Ask the health professionals what aftercare has been organised for the patient, for example what support they will get following treatment or after leaving hospital. Make sure you are clear about what support packages are available.