Password hearing a family member has been diagnosed with a serious illness like mesothelioma is devastating. It can be especially difficult when you are many miles and feel there is little you can do to help.
When my father, Richard Lloyd Barker, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in the fall of 1992, many members of his family lived more than two hours away from us. I can not imagine how they felt powerless when they heard the news.
Shortly after his diagnosis, the doctor told my father to take her affairs in order. The prognosis was not good. There were only about three to six months to live.
Papa shared phone calls with members of the long-distance family. Those who were able to make the trip came to visit. We all rallied around him to support him in his fight.
When our loved ones fall ill, we want to be there to take care of them. But just because we live far away, does not mean that their care is not a priority. While it is easy to give in to the frustration of being at a great distance, caregivers can now do much -. Even hundreds of miles
Distance Once done Treating a challenge
My father was the eldest son of six children Barker, and he was always close to his siblings. Barker children were relatively young when their parents died, and my father assumed the role of patriarch.
It was his nature to feed his family. When Dad got sick, his brothers and sisters were weeping.
When he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the circumstances of life and long distances between him and his siblings. The distance prevented them from participating in his care. If things had been different, I'm sure they would all have done more to care for the person who always took care of them.
benefits of modern technology
Today, technology is on the side of those affected by mesothelioma.
in 1992, our family did not have cell phones. Video chat was especially in science fiction movies, and we did our research in the library using the card catalog.
But now we are connected so my father could never imagine. These days, being away does not mean you can not take care of your loved one.
You can search for mesothelioma and the latest treatment options online in the comfort of your own home using your smartphone. Survivors may find support in online communities and families can coordinate care delivery plans easily over the phone or video chat.
I recently came across a great national resource for the provision of long distance family care Caregiver Alliance (FCA) that can change the role of caregiver for people who are separated by great distances.
Of course, a family member who lives many miles away is not the best choice for the primary caregiver. However, a member of the long-range family can offer support and fulfill an important secondary role of caregiver.
According to the FCA, the long-distance caregivers can provide valuable assistance in gathering information and coordination services.
Information Collection
When we encounter a difficult diagnosis, it is common for family members and close friends to bombard you with questions. Unfortunately, primary caregivers are often so busy with healthcare immediate needs they are struggling to find the time to research and provide answers to their relatives.
with a world of information at your fingertips, the collection of information online is the perfect job for a long-distance caregiver
Some examples of topics of long distance provider may include research :.
- Information on diagnosis
- potential treatment options
- Doctors and treatment centers
- clinical trials Options
Keep in mind there is a lot of information on the Internet, and it can be difficult to sort through to find accurate and reliable information. Look for sources of physicians, researchers, government sites and not-quality goal.
Coordination Services
Even simple tasks like paying bills and bank can be difficult for someone recently diagnosed with cancer. As long as you have time and energy to commit, there are many services that you can coordinate over large distances online or by phone.
Once the family establishes what types of services are needed, long-distance caregivers can help sort the information and make arrangements.
The FCA lists a number of long-distance caregivers ways can help. Some examples include the coordination of medical appointments, preparing care delivery schedules and organization for meals and cleaning services. Long-distance caregivers can also plan family reunions and to keep other family members updated with the latest news.
Support a Distance
Helping as a secondary caregiver is not as demanding as being a primary caregiver. However, long-distance caregivers can provide valuable assistance.
Whatever your location, you can still make a vital emotional support for your one with cancer and nearby healthcare team. If you can find time to visit, you can even offer to support some of the tasks of the health care team to give them a break.
It was not easy for my mother to take the role of primary caregiver for my father. She had the support, but I'm sure she would have liked more help.
If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another serious illness, do not feel useless because you are away. The vacuum created by the distance can easily be overcome with technology and some planning.
