Teaching cancer caregivers the importance of taking care of themselves, as well as their loved ones, is the focus of a new, free workshop being offered on July 27 at the CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock.
“Who Cares? You Care: Taking Care of the Cancer Caregiver” is a free, open educational workshop addressing the unique gifts, challenges, and fears associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
When faced with the cancer diagnosis of a loved one, those closest to the patient will also embark upon his or her own unique cancer experience.
“Cancer is, unquestionably, a family disease,” says Olivia Wyatt, CARTI Counseling and Resources Coordinator. “While it’s true that one patient actually ‘has’ the cancer, his or her diagnosis directly impacts those close to them in an equally profound way.”
“When it comes to the patient, there are tangible treatment options available to actively address and combat the disease,” say Wyatt, who is also a licensed social worker. “Unfortunately, the same has not always been true for the caregiver.”
Examining the sometimes complex roles, responsibilities, and limitations of the caregiver, Wyatt says the workshop aims to provide tips, tools, and techniques designed to help cope, manage, and navigate through the cancer journey.
“Recognizing and accepting your own emotional and physical needs is not selfish, it’s necessary,” says Wyatt. “Doing so can restore caregivers with the strength, spirit, and mental resolve needed to better equip them to care for the patient.”
While the instinctive reaction may be to focus all available time, energy, and concern on the patient, Wyatt says doing so at the cost of the caregiver’s own health and well-being can be equally detrimental, to both the caregiver, and the patient.
“You know, it’s true what they say,” says Wyatt. “You can’t fill a cup if you’re pouring from an empty pot.”
Registration is open now for the next session of “Who Cares? You Care,” scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on July 27 at the CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock.
To pre-register, contact Carolyn Garrett in the CARTI Patient Resource Center at (501) 660-7610 or cgarrett@carti.com .