Be a Better Caregiver

As a caregiver, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how best to support your loved one on this NET journey. While we recognize that each caregiver is as unique as each patient, here are some valuable ways you can support your loved one on both a practical and emotional level:

Learn to “speak NET”
Learning to speak the unique language of NET empowers you to be part of the conversations with medical providers. You will be a stronger companion and champion for the patient if you understand the terms used when symptoms, treatments and scans are discussed. At medical appointments, you can ask more educated questions and better understand what the doctor is telling you.

You are not alone--engage your network
Utilize communication and organization tools to involve others in circles of care.

Find a balance between doing and being
Instead of asking “How do you feel today?” you might consider asking your loved one “How can I help you today?” in order to proactively and collaboratively engage in care. Though you naturally want to ease the patient’s pain and suffering, sometimes the only—and best—gift you can give him or her is to be a comforting presence and simply be still and listen.

Preserve your own identity and boundaries
It hurts to see your loved one in pain, but the patient’s suffering is distinct and different from yours. It’s OK to empathize, but immersing yourself in pain will not ease the patient’s suffering. It will only make you a less effective caregiver.