Every day caregivers face emotional, physical, and logistical challenges caring for their loved ones. But what about the toll on the caregivers themselves? Ensuring empowered caregivers involves educating and informing them, engaging them in planning and decision-making, and reassuring them that their role is manageable and worthwhile. Any steps providers can take to combat the invisibility of caregivers is important. This can range from simply acknowledging the caregiver's presence in medical appointments to routing them to caregiver-specific support and services.

CANCER BUZZ spoke to Allison Applebaum, PhD, Psychologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, NY. Listen as Dr. Applebaum discusses practical tips providers can use to support caregiver empowerment.

"I think it is quite important for ALL members of the health care team to be able to identify signs and symptoms of distress in caregivers and should know what resources are available in their unique cancer center so they can refer these caregivers or make a suggestion that they speak to a social worker."

"The number 1 tip, is to acknowledge the caregiver's presence."

Allison Applebaum, PhD

Psychologist

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York City, NY

Resources:

American Cancer Society

Cancer Support Community

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

National Alliance for Caregiving

This project is supported by EMD Serono.