February: Honoring Caregivers

February: Honoring Caregivers

Are you a family member or friend helping a loved one during cancer treatment? As a caregiver you can best help others by taking good care of yourself too. There are many resources available to help caregivers be the best they can be.

"Coffee Break" Sessions

The RCC support services staff hosts 30 minute “coffee break” sessions for caregivers twice each month. The coffee break is an opportunity for caregivers who are in the building with loved ones to meet other caregivers, and receive education on subjects that might assist them in their role as a caregiver. Coffee and light refreshments are provided.
Contacts: Maryann Frontino or Sherri Siegel, (814) 838-9000.

Family and Caregiver Support Group

The Family and Caregiver Support Group meets the second Tuesday of every month at The Regional Cancer Center. The group meets in the Courtyard Conference room from 11:00 AM – 12:00 noon.
Contact: Ann Marie Cronk, (814) 836-2618.

Caregiver Advisory Group

A new Caregiver Advisory Group is being formed. This will be an opportunity for caregivers to share their thoughts and suggestions about how RCC can better support them in their role as caregivers. Organizers are seeking caregivers to participate in the group.
Contacts: Maryann Frontino or Sherri Siegel, (814) 838-9000.

Five Wishes

In many ways, there is no better gift to give a caregiver than that of clear direction regarding your wishes should you be put in the position in which you are unable to speak for yourself. Further, thinking about your advanced directives during times of good health can give you clarity and comfort in your decisions.

Who would you like to speak for you when you can’t?
What kind of care and treatments would you accept or not accept? What measures do you want to be taken to see to your comfort?
What do you want your loved ones to know?

All of those topics are included in the Five Wishes Advance Directive Project created by the Aging with Dignity Foundation and are being adopted at The Regional Cancer Center. RCC patients and their caregivers can request a Five Wishes workbook from any staff member or directly from Aging with Dignity.

February: Honoring Caregivers