“Top 10 things a caregiver needs to do for newly diagnosed GBM patient”

This is a recent post from the ABTA Inspire website that is so instructive and practical and understanding that I just had to repost the essence. Here’s the “top ten”. Please follow the link for details.

1. “realize that it is going to be hard - physically, emotionally on YOU, not just the patient
2. create contingency plans as soon as possible
3. understand your insurance benefits
4. determine what facilities you will use, if you have to - make decisions before you are in a crisis - what hospitals, rehab facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and funeral homes will you use if needed
5. get educated on how to make your home accessible for a disabled person and the related costs
6. get educated on financial and other help that is available
7. it is hard to manage all of the insurance paperwork & medical bill
8. accept the help that other can offer
9. understand your patients wishes for care while alive and for the funeral, etc
10. each out for help”

http://www.inspire.com/groups/american-brain-tumor-association/discussion/top-10-things-a-caregiver-needs-to-do-for-newly-diagnosed-gbm-patient/?ref=as&asat=141356328

Image credit: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/photo_12858145_word-top-10--written-by-a-chalk-on-a-blackboard.html'>timbrk / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

ABTA Seminar: “Coping with Caregiver Stress”

Did my wife have a bit a stress when I came home from the hospital? You betcha! Does stress increase for caregivers because they now need to minister to their loved one, but also need to sort out all the drugs, rehab trips, doctor visits, etc.? Well, duh!?

Thankfully, the American Brain Tumor Association is holding an online webcast about all this.  According to the website, “Taking on the role of caregiver for a loved one with a brain tumor is something that you may not have expected. Your new role comes with many responsibilities that can challenge a caregiver in ways never imagined.  You will need to become an expert not only in attending to a patient’s physical needs, but also in managing the details and communication with doctors, pharmacists, insurance companies, employers and others.  This webinar will explore and discuss practical strategies for recognizing and managing stress throughout your caregiving role.”

Does this sound like something you want to attend?  Or maybe something you’re desperate to attend? Well now you can watch the presentation charts and hear the presenter through your own computer. It’s free and all you have to do is register online and the ABTA will explain the rest. Here’s a link to do so: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/365153158