How to use this guide
Caregivers often become appointment companions, transportation coordinators, note-takers, advocates, and emotional anchors all at once. This guide focuses on what helps most in the real world.
During appointments
At home
Protect your own capacity
Caregiver burnout is real. Ask what tasks can be shared, rotated, or delegated.
Support groups, respite, counseling, and practical help are not optional luxuries when care becomes intense.
Hard conversations
When goals of care shift, families often need help understanding whether treatment is aimed at cure, control, or comfort.
Ask the care team who can help with palliative care, advance care planning, and social work support before the situation becomes a crisis.
Related Gold Heart resources
Essential questions: What are my treatment options? What is the goal — cure, control, or comfort? What are the side effects? Should I consider a clinical trial? Bring a support person to take notes.
Clinical trials test new treatments and may offer access to cutting-edge therapies. Search by cancer type, location, and trial phase at cancer.gov. Ask your oncologist if a trial is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the "For Caregivers and Families" guide?
This guide is designed to be printed and brought to your next medical appointment. Review the checklist items, mark the ones most relevant to your situation, and discuss them with your care team. All content is reviewed by medical sources and updated regularly.
Where can I get more help with for caregivers and families?
Gold Heart's free resource directory connects you to 585+ verified cancer support programs across Washington State. You can also call the Cancer Support Helpline at 1-800-227-2345 or the NCI Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER for personalized guidance.