Mesothelioma is a form of deadly cancer that develops after someone is exposed to asbestos. After a person develops mesothelioma, their life changes drastically. However, patients are not the only ones whose life changes after a mesothelioma diagnosis. When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, every other family member's life is bound to change. It is usually up to family members to care for someone with mesothelioma. Sometimes, it is up to adult children to care for their parents with mesothelioma.
If your parents were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might be feeling unsure about how you can help them. So, how can children help parents with mesothelioma? As a caregiver, you are an extension of your parent's treatment team. However, your work does not end with medical attention. You can help your parents around the home. You can also provide emotional support for your parents, something that a doctor might not be able to provide.
Below is more on how children can help parents with mesothelioma.
Medical Treatment
As already mentioned, as a caregiver, you are an extension of your parent's treatment team. Mesothelioma patients' treatment plans can be quite involved. So one of the ways you can help your parents with mesothelioma is by remaining involved.
There are many aspects of treatment that you can help your parents with. They include;
- Understanding their diagnosis
- Understanding their prognosis
- Understanding their intended treatment
- Scheduling and reminding them about appointments
- Arranging for transportation to appointments
- Keeping a record of progress, symptoms, and side effects
Household Tasks
Your parent may be able to choose their meals daily, feed themselves, and even dress up. However, chances are there are many other things your parent cannot do for themselves. For example, perhaps your parent needs help with grocery shopping, cooking, washing and folding clothes, and yard work. You can help your parent with these tasks.
If you are in a position to, you can also help your parent with mesothelioma pay household bills. Many types of financial compensation are available to mesothelioma patients, but it can take time to access them.
Emotional Support
Lastly, you can provide your parent with emotional support. Your parent will have their good days and bad days. It is important that you are there on both the good and bad days. On the bad days, you want to ensure that you remain positive and encourage your parent. You want to ensure that you are available and stable even when your parent is having a bad day.
Indeed, it can be hard to provide emotional support to your parent, especially if you used to depend on your parent for emotional support. But it is not impossible. For instance, if possible, you can divide caregiving activities between other family members and friends. Also, planning and prioritizing tasks can help you minimize stress and burnout.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
