Caring for yourself is like caring for your friend or relative.
In the videos below, Judi (left) and Craig (right) share their experiences on how they cared for themselves while caring for their loved ones with a brain tumour and their strategies for coping.
Ten tips for carers
- Being a carer is like having a job. Sometimes you need a break. Take respite breaks often.
- Watch out for signs of depression. See the link here to see if you may need to ask for some professional support.
- When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
- Learn about brain tumours and treatments. The information will help when talking with health professionals.
- There is a difference between caring and doing. Be open to ideas that allow the person you’re caring for to keep some independence.
- Trust your instincts. Most of the time they will lead you in the right direction.
- Carers often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling. Be good to your back. Bend your knees when lifting.
- Grieve for your losses. Some dreams will be lost. Allow yourself to dream new dreams.
- Seek support from other carers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
- Stand up for your rights as a carer and a citizen.
Mind, body, and spirit
There are three main areas: Mind, Physical Body and Spirit / Spirituality.
Mind: General self care ideas
Note: While some people find the idea of having fun or laughing during this time unfathomable or even disrespectful, some people use humour and laughing as a coping mechanism. There is no one way to cope. As is often the case, take what is useful to you and your family and leave the rest.
Links to Helpful Resources
- The Cancer Council have carer telephone support groups. Ring the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 (24 hours/day) or click here.
- The Cancer Council Online Community can be found here.
- Call the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia Support line on 1800 857 221
- You can access Counselling through The Cancer Council or ask your GP for a referral to a local psychologist (most are Medicare subsidised)
Physical Body
The Spirit
