How Do We Lessen the Pain of Diagnosis Day?
It's the day that changes so much. Yet, it's another day when we don't receive the support we need.
“The worst day of my life.”
That’s how Bruce McIntyre, who cares for his wife, and Roberta Carson, who cared for her son, described the day their family members received a life-changing diagnosis. Bruce and Roberta shared their experiences during our first episode of The Caregiver’s Journal talk show.
How can we better support family caregivers on Diagnosis Day?
What if doctors shared three pages of resources for the family caregiver? Roberta received a four-inch thick binder of resources, which was so overwhelming she never cracked it open.
The three-page resource brochure could include:
information about a disease-specific organization, which could make volunteers available to connect with the family caregiver.
a suggested plan for the next few days, which offers guidance on how to manage the stress that comes from such difficult news.
a suggested communication plan, which includes suggestions on how to share the news with family members and friends.
an invite to our free monthly planning meeting, After the Diagnosis. During this planning meeting, we talk out next steps and worries. During our talk show, Bruce mentioned it took time for him to process his wife's diagnosis. Because we offer this planning meeting every month, the family caregiver can join us when he or she feels ready.
In addition, doctors can refer the caree and family caregiver to a Community Health Worker to receive Principal Illness Navigation Services, now reimbursable through Medicare.
When your family member received a diagnosis, what support did you receive?
What support did you wish you would have received?
Resources
Be sure to download the Kindle versions of my books, available for free through Feb. 18. The books offer supportive comfort, healing words and helpful perspectives during and after your caregiving experience.
We took a Soul Break from Unsolicited Advice on Thursday. Register to join us for our next Soul Break. We meet on the third Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.