When many people think of a cancer diagnosis the first thing that they think about is treatment options.
Early diagnosis and early onset of intervention make for the most benefit and success, meaning that the sooner your parent identifies that they are living with cancer and then determines what type of treatment and management approach they want to use, the better the chances that they will see benefit from those interventions. The prospect of choosing a treatment approach can be daunting, however, your parent may not fully understand all of the options that are available to them and what each means. They might also not know how they could impact them or what the right choice would be for them as an individual. It is important that you are there for them and make an effort to help them work through this important decision so that they can feel confident that they have made the one that is right for them.
Use these tips to help you talk to your parent about their treatment options:
Give them some time first. They do not have to make a treatment decision the moment they are diagnosed. Your parent might feel overwhelmed and need some time to work through their emotions and really think about the situation before they make such a tremendous decision. Give them that time. Encourage them to come to a decision in a reasonable amount of time, but do not pressure them
Make sure they understand them all. It is impossible to make a truly confident and informed decision if your parent does not understand what each option means. Encourage them to talk to their doctor and get full information about each treatment option that is available and feel free to do your own research as well. Make sure that your parent is fully informed and educated before making this decision
Empower them to stand up for themselves. Make sure that your parent knows that they do not have to go along with the first treatment option that is offered to them, or even any of the options that their first doctor gives them. If they are not comfortable with the suggestions from their doctor or have other thoughts, empower them to find a medical team that is more appropriate for them
Let them know that no treatment is a viable option as well. Though it might be painful for you to consider, help your parent understand that choosing to forgo aggressive treatment is an option as well. They do not have to go through extensive and invasive treatments if they do not feel that they would benefit them. Instead, they can elect to approach the disease with a management perspective, choosing to receive care from you, an elder care provider, and others to support as high a quality of life as possible throughout the rest of their life
Starting elder care can be one of the best decisions that you can make for your senior during the course of your care journey with them. An elderly home care services provider can be in the home with your aging parent on a fully customized schedule that ensures that they have continued and reliable access to the care, support, and assistance that they need to manage their needs in the way that is right for them.
Through this type of personalized care, the care provider can help your parent stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy, and to pursue an independent, active, and fulfilling lifestyle as they age in place. These services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing, mobility support to manage balance and other mobility issues, meal preparation, help to keep the home tidy, and companionship.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in San Mateo, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today. 1.855.986.6647
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