New provider resource for family caregivers of members with cancer

Fifty-three million, or more than one in five Americans, are family caregivers. Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 reports that caregivers face health challenges of their own, with nearly a quarter of caregivers finding it hard to take care of their own health and saying that caregiving has made their own health worse.

Now, we have made it easy for providers to help their patients who are family caregivers reduce their stress and improve their health. Help for Cancer Caregivers’ new healthcare provider landing page has an easy-to-download flyer that can be given to patients to encourage them to visit Help for Cancer Caregivers. This evidence-based, interactive website allows family caregivers to take a brief survey to create a personal self-care guide, access social services, and browse topics like dealing with feelings, keeping health, day-to-day needs, working together, and long-distance caregiving.

Studies show that family caregivers suffer from poorer physical health than those who do not have additional caregiving responsibilities. Studies have found that:

• Caregivers show higher levels of depression.
• Caregivers suffer from high levels of stress and frustration, which can lead to burnout.
• Stressful caregiving situations may lead to harmful behaviors, such as abusing drugs or alcohol.
• Caregivers have an increased risk of heart disease.
• Caregivers have lower levels of self-care.
• Chronic diseases of caregivers are often more difficult to manage.
• Caregivers have an increased risk of sickness and premature death.

Evidence has also shown that education and intervention reduce caregiver strain, uncertainty, and helplessness and that information helps normalize the caregiver experience and enhances a sense of control.

Access the healthcare provider landing page today. This website includes language and accessibility tools to support non-English speakers and people with accessibility needs.