Cancer Caregivers

Frequently asked questions.

• What is the Cancer Caregivers programme?

  The Cancer Caregivers programme is a comprehensive support programme designed to assist and empower cancer caregivers and family members who are providing care for a person with a cancer diagnosis. This programme offers valuable resources, emotional care, and helpful tips to help caregivers effectively cope with the challenges of supporting someone facing cancer treatment. Whether it’s managing stress during doctor visits or accessing additional care, the Cancer Caregivers programme aims to make the caregiving journey more manageable and supportive. Participants also gain access to the Osara Health app to track goals and connect with others in a supportive community.

• How do you take care of a family member with cancer?

  Taking care of a family member with cancer requires a holistic approach that considers both the physical and emotional needs of the person facing cancer, and the needs of the caregiver. It involves providing practical assistance, such as accompanying the person to doctor visits or accessing respite care when needed. Emotional support, active listening, and open communication are also vital to understanding the person’s concerns and offering comfort and encouragement. Additionally, caregivers can benefit from seeking support through resources like support groups, counselling services, and educational programs in their community to help them manage their own needs while caring for their loved one. Osara Health will guide them through the process, the changes and help them manage the impact of this new reality.

• What are the requirements for enrolling in the Cancer Caregivers programme?

  The Cancer Caregivers programme is open to customers who hold an active life, trauma or income protection cover who are providing support and care for patients who face cancer or if the customer is going through a cancer journey, their family members can use the service. There are no specific qualifications or prerequisites for enrolling in the program. It is designed to assist all caregivers dealing with cancer care, regardless of their level of experience or expertise. Whether they are a long-distance caregiver or a primary family caregiver, the program aims to provide resources and support tailored to their unique caregiving situation. 

• What does being a carer mean?

  Being a carer means taking on the responsibility of supporting and providing care for a person with cancer or another serious illness. Cancer caregivers play a crucial role in the well-being and quality of life of their loved ones who face cancer. They often assist with various aspects of daily living, emotional support, coordinating medical appointments, managing medications, and ensuring the person’s overall comfort and safety. Being a carer involves a commitment to the physical and emotional needs of the person with cancer, while also considering their own needs and wellbeing.

• How can Osara Health support carers? 

  Osara Health recognises the invaluable role of carers and offers comprehensive support to help them navigate the challenges of caring for their loved ones. Through emotional support and empowering caregivers, Osara Health aims to alleviate stress and anxiety – they can help them understand what to expect in their new role. The platform provides access to educational resources and a personal health coach who can give guidance about important things related to them and their loved one’s wellbeing and can even offer information about additional services that can help. Osara Health enables caregivers to make informed decisions and find the assistance they need to provide the best care. We hope that Osara Health will be an additional part of caregivers’ support network – helping them to foster a sense of community and provide a much-needed outlet for their worries and concerns. The personalised care plans, centered around holistic health and behaviour change, further enhance many caregivers’ well-being, helping them manage, understand what’s involved and enhance the overall caregiving experience.

• How does the programme support caring for someone with cancer?

  The Cancer Caregivers programme connects each member with a personal health coach, a range of support resources and guidance to assist individuals caring for someone who faces cancer. Osara Health might give them advice on how to access to a relevant support group where cancer caregivers can connect with others in similar situations and share experiences or help them set goals related to their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of their loved one. The program also offers educational resources and guidance on topics such as managing stress, navigating the medical system, and find support for them or the cancer patient. Through a holistic approach, the programme aims to empower caregivers to confidently and compassionately care for their loved ones facing cancer.

• What is a Health Coach?

  Osara Health’s health coaching follows a well-defined scope of practice that acknowledges the unique challenges of the cancer journey. Coaches understand that the cancer experience is different from other chronic illnesses, which is why a person-centred approach is adopted to provide appropriate tools that empower individuals in physical, spiritual, and mental capacities – providing benefits across the board. Health coaches serve as “accountability partners,” supporting individuals in developing and achieving their personalized, self-directed goals. They offer guidance and encouragement as individuals identify and work towards making sustainable lifestyle changes. The Health Coach is not a replacement for the medical care team, and will not provide any advice on diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or improvement of your or your loved one’s clinical condition.

• What does holistic health and behaviour change mean?

  Holistic health and behaviour change refer to an approach that considers the relationship between various aspects of a person’s life and wellbeing. In the context of cancer care and caregivers, it involves addressing not only the physical health of the person facing cancer but also their emotional, mental, and social well-being. Health Coaches use this approach to assist individuals in making positive changes in their lifestyle, habits, and mindset to support their overall health and well-being. The focus is on empowering individuals to take an active role in their care and make sustainable changes that lead to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life.

• What is the time commitment as a participant? 

  The Cancer Caregivers programme typically runs for 6-12 weeks, but the duration can be tailored to suit the needs of the participant. On average, individuals spend around 30-minutes each week to read and implement what they’ve learned. This flexibility allows them to engage with the programme at a pace that aligns with their personal goals and caregiving requirements, ensuring a customised and beneficial experience throughout the journey.