ONS Connect - November 2008 - (Page 16)

YOUTELLUS What Methods Do You Use to Help Support Caregivers of Patients With Cancer? Caregivers in China Face Similar Challenges n China, most caregivers are family members, so supporting them is very necessary. When I take care of patients with cancer, I pay attention to the behaviors of the caregivers at the same time. If I observe abnormal behaviors, I ask caregivers how I can help. I give them information about their patients’ cancers and treatment options and explain the responsibility of doctors and nurses; I ensure they get a lot of help and support and try to relieve their emotional burden. If possible, I address their economic concerns, as most families in China have to face economic deficiency. I also try to shorten patients’ recovery time; that would be the most effective for supporting caregivers. I I lead the caregiver session along with a social worker. Caregivers are given a chance to talk about being a caregiver, and again these patients exchange ideas with others; the social worker and I also provide tools for the caregivers. We lead a focused discussion so that caregiver needs are heard and validated. The session ends on a positive note as caregivers feel good about being able to help their loved ones. Frank Brown, RN, MS, OCN® Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care Team Roswell Park Cancer Institute Buffalo, NY brain Tumor Society Offers Support Programs for Caregivers he National Brain Tumor Society offers three programs for caregivers: the Caregiver Support Network, Telephone Support Line, and the one-day Caregiver Conference. The Caregiver Support Network is made up of caregivers who have volunteered to talk with or respond to e-mails from other caregivers of patients who have the same type of brain tumor. All of the volunteers have July Jiang Hangzhou, China Caregivers Exchange Ideas and Encouragement at Support Groups hen I cofacilitated a bone marrow transplant support group, we had a designated “caregiver night” where the focus was on the needs and concerns of caregivers. In the myeloma support group that I currently cofacilitate, we commit some time each night to caregiver needs and one full night to having them share their caregiving experiences and tips to help them navigate the journey. During a yearly retreat, I cofacilitate a family/caregiver session, where we separate the caregivers from the patients to discuss individual needs of both groups. T been interviewed to make sure they can appropriately handle the calls. The Telephone Support Line (+1-800934-2873) is available for patients or caregivers. Health information specialists are trained to respond to questions. They also send out written materials about tumor types and coping with brain tumors. In addition to English, they speak Spanish, Portuguese, and French. A neuro-oncology nurse specialist is available for any questions about treatment options or symptom management. The free one-day Caregiver Conference is given in conjunction with oncology centers across the country. Caregivers learn about tumors, symptoms, body mechanics, legal aspects, local resources, and end of life. They receive a binder containing information about what to do if situations arise at home. It is an excellent opportunity to network with other caregivers. All of these resources are found on the National Brain Tumor Society Web site, www.braintumor.org. Mary Lovely, PhD, RN Medical Information Specialist National Brain Tumor Society San Francisco, CA W You Tell Us, readers! “You Tell Us” is a forum for ONS Connect readers to share comments with their professional colleagues. If you have knowledge to share on the following topic, please tell us! We’d love to hear from you. February: What are you doing at your facility to promote wellness? Submissions should be approximately 125 words and may be edited for clarity and space. Send responses by December 1 to Editorial Manager Elisa Becze at pubONSConnect@ons.org. 16 ONS CONNECT November 2008 http://www.braintumor.org

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ONS Connect - November 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Lean on Me You Tell Us A Year in the Life-- Month Eleven Put Evidence Into Practice to Manage Caregiver Strain and Burden Web Connect Capitol Connection Caregiver Care New Technique Monitors Patients with NSCLC Calendar of Events Working for You Staying on Top

ONS Connect - November 2008

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