Support for Caregivers

For many people, caregiving isn't a job or a duty. It is doing what is right for a loved one.

If you're helping your family member or friend through cancer treatment, you are a caregiver. This could mean assisting with daily activities such as accompanying them to medical appointments, cleaning the house, making meals, or handling finances and other legal matters. It could also mean coordinating services and care with health care professionals. Or it may be providing emotional and spiritual support.

Caregiving is an unspoken promise that so many of us make in our relationships, to be there for our loved ones when they need us. Unfortunately, few people have the time, resources, or ability to care for their loved one with cancer without any help. It is important as a caregiver to know your limits, take care of yourself, identify resources in the community, and understand the wants and needs of the person requiring care.

General Caregiver Support

• National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support
• American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/if-youre-about-to-become-a-cancer-caregiver.html
• Cancer Support Community: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/living-cancer/living-cancer-topics/caregivers/
• Help For Cancer Caregivers: https://www.helpforcancercaregivers.org/
• Cancer.net: https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/caring-loved-one/
• CancerCare: https://www.cancercare.org/publications/1-caregiving_for_your_loved_one_with_cancer
• Livestrong: https://www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/caregiver-support
• AARP: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
• Caregiver Action Network: https://caregiveraction.org/
• Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/
• Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving: http://www.rosalynncarter.org/caregiver_resources/
• Well Spouse Association: http://www.wellspouse.org/

Support for Children

• Kids Konnected: http://www.kidskonnected.org/
• National Cancer Institute: "When your parent has cancer": https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/When-Your-Parent-Has-Cancer.pdf

Local Caregiver Resources

• Clackamas County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC): https://www.clackamas.us/event/2019-06-04/the-adrc-a-doorway-to-support-wellness-and-community
• Klamath and Lake Counties Council on Aging (KLCCOA) Family Caregiver Support Program: https://klamathlakeareaonaging.org/family-caregiver-support-program-2/
• Multnomah Family Caregiver Support Program: https://multco.us/ads/family-caregiver-support-program
• Oregon Care Partners: https://oregoncarepartners.com/
• Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG): http://www.ocwcog.org/seniors-disability/caregivers/caregiver-support/
• Oregon Department of Human Services: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/Pages/Caregiving.aspx
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers: https://www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org/
• Providence Caregiver Support Group: https://oregon.providence.org/forms-and-information/c/caregiver-support-group-websites/
• Providence ElderPlace: https://oregon.providence.org/our-services/p/providence-elderplace/
• Rogue Valley Council of Governments Family Caregiver Support: http://rvcog.org/home/sds-2/caregiver-support-front-page/family-caregiver-support/
• VA Portland Health Care System Caregiver Support Program: https://www.portland.va.gov/services/caregiver/index.asp
• Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce: http://www.wallowacountychamber.com/community-support-services
• Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services: https://www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/DAVS/
• Washington County Family Caregiver Support Program: https://www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/DAVS/Caregivers/services.cfm
• Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington: http://www.helpingelders.org/im-a-family-caregiver/
• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/caregiver-resources

The Caregiver's Page was created with a generous gift from Doug Gordon.