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RunningHead:MITIGATING CAREGIVER STRESS 1 MITIGATING CAREGIVER STRESS Elisa Clayton Master of Social Work, Walden University SOCW 6205: Medical Social Work II Yvonne Elder Chase, PhD, MSW, LCSW, ACSW December 10, 2023

MITIGATING CAREGIVER STRESS 2 ● Explain the thoughts and emotions the caregiver may be feeling during diagnosis. There is a wide range of emotions and thought processes that a caregiver may feel at the time of receiving a loved one's cancer diagnosis. The caregiver can experience various emotions, including shock and disbelief, as the initial diagnosis can feel overwhelming and surreal ( Gérain & Zech, 2019). Another emotion could be a mix of fear and anxiety of the caregiver worrying about the loved ones (the client’s) prognosis, treatment options, and potential financial burdens can be intense. At multiple points, the caregiver can experience a random bunch of sadness and or grief with the endless anticipation of loss, and the impact on the family can be emotionally draining. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility and question their ability to provide adequate care ( Gérain & Zech, 2019). Caregivers can go through a range of feelings of helplessness and frustration at the disease or the healthcare system standard. Dealing with these emotions can be isolating, and caregivers may struggle to connect with others who understand their experience. Caregivers must acknowledge and express these emotions, seek support from loved ones or professionals, and practice self-care to maintain their well-being ( Gérain & Zech, 2019). ● Describe the care needed for the illness you selected. The care needs of a cancer patient vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment plan, and individual needs. The physical care of loved ones demands caregivers to assist with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, financial care, and managing medications. They are providing never-ending emotional support by offering a listening ear, offering reassurance, and helping the patient cope with anxiety and fear, assisting with transportation to appointments, managing finances and household chores, finally, helping the

MITIGATING CAREGIVER STRESS 3 patient understand treatment options, communicating with healthcare providers, and advocating for their needs. ● Explain the stress experienced by caregivers. There can be much stress put on the caregiver given the time a loved one has been diagnosed with any form of cancer. One stressor can be the complexity of the illness itself. The cancer treatment process can be complex, emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially draining for both the caregiver and the loved one ( Northouse et al., 2012). These types of illnesses would demand that the caregiver start planning from a wide range of short-term and long-term care and support. The uncertainty and unpredictability of cancer can also lead the caregiver to any amount of stress, fear, and anxiety ( Northouse et al., 2012). It can be challenging for the caregiver to navigate the healthcare system to find appropriate specialists, aid, care teams, and organizations that can help manage insurance coverage. Limited access to respite care, support groups, or other resources can leave caregivers feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Cancer treatment can be expensive, leading to financial strain for families ( Northouse et al., 2012). ● Identify at least three resources in California Three resources are located within California that can best support the caregiver who is experiencing taking care of a loved one who has a diagnosis of cancer. First, The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a variety of resources, including support groups, educational materials, and online tools to help caregivers manage their responsibilities and cope with stress. They have a dedicated California chapter with local resources and support groups. Second, CancerCare is a national organization that provides emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families. They offer individual and group counseling, online resources, and financial assistance programs. Lastly, The National Family Caregiver Support Program

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MITIGATING CAREGIVER STRESS 4 (NFCSP), a federal program, provides grants to states to support family caregivers. In California, the program is administered by the California Department of Aging and provides resources such as respite care, caregiver education, and support groups. These organizations can provide emotional support and connection. Support groups and counseling can help caregivers cope with their emotions and connect with others who understand their experiences. Resources can provide education on cancer treatment, side effects, and how to manage daily care tasks. Connecting caregivers to additional services and resources can help them find respite care, financial assistance, and other support services in their community. Caring for a loved one with cancer is a challenging but rewarding experience. Caregivers can navigate this journey with strength and resilience by acknowledging the challenges, seeking support, and utilizing available resources. References:

MITIGATING CAREGIVER STRESS 5 American Cancer Society in California . California | American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/california.html CancerCare: Support groups, counseling, Education, and Financial Assistance . CancerCare. (1970, December 19). https://www.cancercare.org/ Caregiver resources. California Caregiver Resource Centers. (n.d.). https://www.caregivercalifornia.org/ Gérain, P., & Zech, E. (2019). Informal caregiver burnout? Development of a theoretical framework to understand the impact of caregiving. Frontiers in Psychology , 10 , 466359. Northouse, L. L., Katapodi, M. C., Schafenacker, A. M., & Weiss, D. (2012, November). The impact of caregiving on the psychological well-being of family caregivers and cancer patients. In Seminars in oncology nursing (Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 236-245). WB Saunders.

WK3AssgnClayton.E (6)

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