Ivy Blog
Brain Tumor Talk Ep. 6: Caring for the Caregiver
Caring for a loved one with brain cancer can be physically and emotionally demanding. As a caregiver, making time for yourself usually gets pushed aside while more important tasks for the patient take precedence. This can lead to stress, exhaustion and burnout. When caregivers take good care of themselves, they can provide the best care to the patient.
In this episode of Brain Tumor Talk, we’re discussing the importance of caring for the caregiver with Ivy Center Nurse Navigator Jacki Garcia. Jacki gives practical tips for caregivers and explains how caregivers can properly care for themselves with rest, good nutrition and emotional support. Throughout her career as a neuro-surgical nurse, Jacki has seen how fragile life can be and it’s taught her to live life to the fullest, something she tries to pass on to the patients and caregivers she meets.
This episode comes just in time for National Family Caregiver Month in November. This month recognizes and appreciates those who care for loved ones during challenging health journeys.
Listen in as Jacki gives useful advice on how important it is to care for the caregiver.
In this Episode, You’ll Hear
- Self-care for the caregiver
- Questions directly from caregivers
- The benefits of a brain tumor support group
- Hospice and end-of-life planning
What to listen for:
4:04: Caregiver burnout. What is it and how to spot it?
5:34: What’s the best mindset for a caregiver?
9:40: Tools for caregivers and where to find them
17:41: What is anticipatory grief?
24:05: Respite care and how to find it
26:19: Having difficult conversations with loved ones
30:43: Where do caregivers start with directives?
32:26: How do caregivers find purpose and fulfillment in this role?
36:58: Jacki’s rapid-fire questions
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