Cancer: “the other fight of caregivers who often forget to think about themselves”, Tuesday June 11, a day to help caregivers at the ICG

Armelle Ratat, psychologue à l’ICG

The Gard Cancer Institute (ICG) is organizing the carers' day on Tuesday June 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with meetings, workshops, stands information and individual sessions.

Caregivers are essential in the therapeutic journey of patients. There are 5 million of them in France, they are too little visible, and they often forget their own physical and mental health. Armelle Ratat, psychologist at the ICG, will lead with Julie Peyrouse, psychologist at the Valdegour clinic, a time of exchange with caregivers so that they can express and share their experiences and resources.

Being a caregiver is also an obstacle course?

Yes, it is a different fight than that of the patient but it is a painful path. Caregivers have a hard time understanding that they have to take care of themselves in order to take care of others. Allowing yourself to be helped is painful. There is guilt in thinking about yourself, the caregiver feels like they are stealing time from the patient.

A caregivers' day Tuesday, June 11 at the ICG

The Meeting Information Space (ERI) of the Gard Cancer Institute is organizing a day for caregivers, invisible and essential guardian angels in the lives of patients. A day which will allow you to meet healthcare professionals and provide information on existing aid (legal recognition, financial aid, obtaining leave…). Stands will also allow you to meet associations and enjoy reflexology, sophrology or relaxation massage sessions.

Program: from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., two meetings on what place for the loved one in the patient's journey, with Sophie Bargas, oncologist, and Marion Guinamard, palliative care doctor and “Words of loved ones, shared words", with psychologists Armelle Rata and Julie Peyrouse.

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., “Eating well to help better”, with Elodie Santatamaria and Sylvie Lezaflic, dieticians at the oncology center of the CHU.

At 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.: one-hour sophrology session.

From 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: information stands with associations (Être là, palliative care, Marcella, Ligue contre le cancer du Gard, etc.) and individual relaxation massage sessions.

Registration required at 04 34 03 46 09 or at contact.eri@gmail.com

Are they aware of their role ?

They are in a delicate position. With the illness, everyone's place is shaken up, the caregiver must constantly adapt, he is in high demand, must accompany the patient to medical appointments. There may be painful feelings such as aggression, anger or overprotection. Sometimes, the child takes the place of the sick parent.

They have a big emotional burden…

They often have difficulty expressing their fears to protect the patient. But they need a space to express their emotions. The help of a psychologist can help them to express themselves without feeling guilty. Caregivers need to find a space to recharge their batteries. In couples, the husband does sports to relieve tension. Our message: don't stay alone! You have to be careful of physical and mental exhaustion.

When do you see caregivers??

Most often, at the time of diagnosis. After the shock, they need to know how to adjust their behavior. And at the time of the end of life. Some caregivers want to be there all the time, we try to identify if this choice is the least bad for them. Everyone invents their own support.

And when the support person panics ?

Cancer, the hospital… can create great anxiety. A caregiver can be in avoidance, we try to move forward step by step, we never force.