Caregiver Tips

The term "caregivers" refers broadly to family members and others who help provide care of any kind-such as preparing meals, cleaning the house, driving a patient to treatments, or performing other tasks. 

Diarrhea can be an embarrassing situation for your loved one to have, especially if it is accompanied by incontinence. Be sensitive to your loved one's condition. Strike a balance between helping your loved one carry on as many normal activities as possible while avoiding circumstances that could cause distress (such as an extended shopping trip).

If you are in a position to help clean up after a bout of diarrhea, note anything that seems unusual; for example, globules of fat or blood in the stool. Such observations are important for your loved one's oncology nurse and physician to know.