Caring for the Caregiver: Supporting Those Who Support Cancer Patients

Overview

Caregivers play a vital role in supporting people with cancer — coordinating appointments, managing daily needs, tracking symptoms, and providing emotional support.

Yet their own needs are often overlooked. Join Dr. Taline Pampanini, physician in Supportive Oncology at Northwell Health’s Cancer Institute, and Hillary Winoker, Outpatient Oncology/Hematology Social Worker at Northwell Health's Cancer Institute, to explore who caregivers are, the many responsibilities they take on, and the emotional, physical, and practical challenges they may face throughout a loved one’s cancer journey.
Participants will learn about common physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms caregivers may notice in their loved ones, when it is important to contact the medical team, and practical ways caregivers can offer support while also caring for themselves. The session will also highlight New York–based and national resources available to help caregivers feel informed, supported, and less alone.

By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:

• Recognize that caregivers are essential members of the cancer care team
• Understand the many roles caregivers often take on, from emotional support to care coordination and symptom tracking
• Describe challenges caregivers face
• Learn practical strategies caregivers can use to support themselves
• Become familiar with local and national caregiver resources, including support groups, respite services, educational tools, and online coordination platforms
• Feel empowered to seek support for themselves and understand that they do not have to manage caregiving alone