Who Is the Caregiver? Key Points for This Section Many cancer
patients today receive part of their care at home. Hospital
stays are shorter than they used to be, and there are now more
treatments that don't need an overnight hospital stay or can be
given outside of the hospital. People with cancer are living
longer and many patients want to be cared for at home as much as
possible. This care is often given by family caregivers. These
caregivers may be spouses, partners, children, relatives, or
friends. The family caregiver works with the health care team
and has an important role in improving the patient's health and
quality of life. Today, family caregivers do many things that
used to be done in the hospital or doctor's office by health
care providers. Caregiving includes everyday tasks such as
helping the patient with medicines, doctor visits, meals,
schedules, and health insurance matters. It also includes giving
emotional and spiritual support, such as helping the patient
deal with feelings and making har