Family and Caregiver Resources
Cancer resources for families & caregivers in New Orleans
We’re here to provide support for cancer patients as well as their families and caregivers. Anyone caring for someone they love is considered to be a caregiver, even if you don’t think of yourself in those terms. Caregivers can be family members or friends, and every situation is unique, meaning there’s no one way that works best. Caregiving may involve many tasks, such as helping with daily activities, providing emotional and spiritual support, and just being there. Caregivers are often known to put their own feelings and needs aside, instead focusing on their loved one and caring for them. While this is admirable, it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Neglecting your own health in favor of your loved one can have a negative impact on your overall well-being as well as your caregiving abilities. At Touro, our Caring for the Caregiver program is designed for you.
Challenges cancer caregivers can face
Caring for someone with cancer can undoubtedly be stressful. As a caregiver, you’re affected by your loved one’s diagnosis of cancer. Just like the person you’re caring for needs your support, you need support as well. In order to avoid caregiver burnout, you should be aware of your needs and take the necessary steps to care for yourself as well. Caregivers face a variety of challenges that need to be recognized and addressed in an appropriate way, including:
- Learning how to cope with a family member or friend who has cancer
- Dealing with intense emotions
- Expressing your feelings in a positive manner
- Adjusting to lifestyle changes
- Communicating with loved ones about difficult topics such as death
- Changes affecting intimacy and sex
- Questioning your faith or spiritual beliefs
- Maintaining your sense of self-worth
- Coping with any financial concerns
- Handling work responsibilities
- Planning for the future
Our Caring for the Caregiver program
Touro’s Caring for the Caregiver program provides you with the support, information, and resources you need to be the best caregiver you can be. If you’re a caregiver for a spouse, family member, or close friend with cancer, understanding how this difficult situation affects you is essential. Reach out to us for helpful information, resources, and support that’s vital to being an effective caregiver. Our program is conducted as a face-to-face meeting for over one hour. It’s designed to help you:
- Learn about your role as a caregiver
- Get tips on being an effective caregiver
- Receive a list of useful resources
- Discover ways to cope with being a caregiver
- Find answers to your questions
Thank you for being a caregiver
Everyone who steps up to be a caregiver for their loved one is an amazing person. We sincerely thank you and want you to know that we’re here for you to provide the support you need along the way.
If you are a caregiver for a loved one with cancer, contact the Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center at 504.210.4475 for support.
Patient testimonials
I believe that as a survivor, I'm here to help other survivors let other survivors know that they can make it through.
I have a family that’s with me all the way. As I walk through my treatment, they walk with me.
It’s amazing how much laughter can happen in an oncology department, but we’ve got such a great team at Touro.
The mental health part of this is what I don’t think people realize, especially the after part.
Breast cancer, while you're pregnant, can be very aggressive. My pregnancy was feeding my cancer.
I really feel like my cancer was for a reason, it may be I need to be the voice for future generations.
I'm now a survivor who looks at others and goes "You can make it".
I'm more than a survivor. I'm in for the long haul and I feel like I'm going to do this and there's no stopping me.