Staying organised

Many carers talk about how complicated and time-consuming applications and paperwork can be. The social worker at the treatment centre can offer support with this aspect of your role.

Setting up your own system for paperwork can reduce stress. Use a folder, expanding file or filing cabinet to organise bills, receipts and letters from health professionals. Keep a record of all treatments and test results, and take it with you to appointments.

Paper records can still work well, but if you want to, you can create a My Health Record online. This means the person’s important health care information is in one place and can be seen by their health professionals with their permission. There are also apps available through the App Store or Google Play that allow you to carry medical records on your smartphone. You can connect some of these apps to your My Health Record.

Listen to podcasts on Cancer Affects the Carer Too and How to Help Someone with Cancer

This information was last reviewed in September 2017. View who reviewed this content.

Tina Chivende, Social Worker, Cancer Psychosocial Service, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, ACT; Gabrielle Asprey, Telephone Support Group Facilitator, Cancer Council NSW; Dr Ben Britton, Senior Clinical and Health Psychologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle and John Hunter Hospital, and Conjoint Lecturer, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW; Valmai Goodwin, Psychologist, Cancer Counselling Service, Cancer Council QLD; Karen Hall, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Zoe Mitchell, Senior Social Worker, Palliative Care, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Amber Rose, Consumer; Carolina Simpson, Policy and Development Officer, Carers NSW.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.