I am not really interested in attending a group or talking with a bunch of people about my caregiver concerns. Where do I find other caregivers with whom I can talk one-on-one?
Buddy programs exist that link fellow caregivers together for added emotional support and information exchange, ranging from basic advice to more complex problems, such as coping with a new diagnosis. Some useful resources are the National Family Caregivers Association, the American Cancer Society, CancerCare, Inc., and other resources discussed in the Appendix. Informally, you may meet fellow caregivers at hospital appointments or waiting rooms. Buddy programs are available for patients as well.
These cancer survivor volunteers can suggest strategies for your loved one about how to get through surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, how to deal with common frustrations of interfacing with the medical system, and so on. Most importantly, survivor volunteers provide hope to people who are currently battling cancer. Many hospitals and doctors have formal and informal ways of connecting you with cancer survivors and caregivers for support.
Your doctor, nurse, or social worker may have suggestions on finding a cancer survivor, or a person going through similar challenges, with whom your loved one can meet, in addition to the community agencies already mentioned.