National Caregiver Month: How LLS Cares for the Caregiver

November is National Caregiver Month. Caregiving can be a lonely experience. Caregivers often don't feel they should be seeking support for themselves, but the best way to care for a loved one is to care for yourself. There are several ways to reach out to others who are in similar situations or have recently been through a similar experience.

LLS offers a number of helpful resources. For more information about any of the services listed below, contact an LLS Information Specialist.

• Weekly Online Chat for Caregivers. Our live, weekly online chat provide a friendly forum to share experiences and chat with other caregivers. Each chat is moderated by an oncology social worker.
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program. First Connection is a telephone support program that links you with a trained peer volunteer who has experienced a similar situation. Anyone with a blood-related cancer, as well as caregivers, is eligible to receive a call or visit. There is no charge for this program.
• LLS Blood Cancer Discussion Boards. Meet your peers online and share thoughts and experiences on our Blood Cancer Discussion Boards.
• Family Support Groups. LLS's Family Support Group program is open to patients, family members and caregivers. Volunteer nurses and social workers professionally lead the groups. Contact the chapter nearest you to find out about Family Support Groups in your area.

Getting Information:

Caregivers often become the primary "researchers" for disease information and support in an effort to assist the person with cancer and to help him or her better understand the disease, treatment options and side effects.

LLS offers free materials and services designed to simplify this search for information and support. Navigate the Resources for Patients and Caregivers tab at the top of this website for disease information, support and education resources, or contact an LLS Information Specialist.

Never hesitate to contact me directly if you have questions about any of these services or need help getting access to them.  

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Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905