New website for cancer caregivers

Fifty-three million Americans (more than one in five) are family caregivers. According to a new study, Caregiving in the U.S. 2020, caregivers face health challenges of their own. Nearly a quarter of caregivers find it hard to take care of their own health and say that caregiving has made their own health worse.  

Now, helpforcancercaregivers.org is here to help caregivers care for themselves. This interactive website, available 24/7, provides the information and resources that caregivers need to care for their own health and well-being. The website walks users through a brief survey and then provides a personalized Self-Care Guide to help them improve their health.

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

Caregivers for your patients can access Help for Cancer Caregivers at helpforcancercaregivers.org.