Caregiver Support

Two women, a staff member and a patient, sit together in the 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center

At Roswell Park, we recognize that cancer can be a difficult time for both patients and their caregivers. You are not alone in this experience. We are here to help.

Patient activities and events calendar

Check out the calendar for any on and off-campus activities available to patients and caregivers. These include yoga, massage, therapy dog visits, educational classes, art classes and more.

View upcoming events

As a caregiver, you play an essential role in your loved one’s care. You may find yourself taking on new responsibilities, learning unfamiliar information, and navigating both practical and emotional challenges.

It is common to feel overwhelmed at times, especially while balancing your loved one’s needs with your own. You are not alone in this experience.

At Roswell Park, we recognize the vital role caregivers play, and we are here to support you, too. We offer a variety of programs, resources, information, and tools to help you navigate the caregiving experience and take care of yourself along the way.

The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center

Be sure to stop at this calm, welcoming space where patients and caregivers can access education, guidance, and supportive services all in one place. The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center is located on the first floor of the main hospital near the Tower Elevators open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm. Some highlights you may find helpful include:

Private, quiet spaces to rest, process or make a phone call in between appointments.
Patient Education Facilitators are available to provide 1:1 support, answer questions and review educational materials with you.
Business Center offers access to a computer and printing services between appointments.
Assistance with Patient Portal if you or your loved one have any specific questions.
Compassionate staff and volunteers to connect with.
Educational classes for patients and caregivers.

Visit the Resource Center Resource Center classes and events

Connecting with others

Support groups, educational sessions, or opportunities for respite time with others can help you cope.

Caregiver Support Group – a monthly support group that offers all caregivers a space to connect, share experiences, and receive support in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Young, Grieving Spouse Group – a monthly support group for young individuals between the ages of 20-55 who have recently experienced the loss of a spouse.
Healing a Grieving Heart Support Group – a monthly support group for adults who have experienced the loss of a spouse, parent, or loved one.
Caregivers Connect a monthly opportunity for caregivers to gather, receive educational resources, and participate in relaxing activities together.
Courageous Caregivers Sessions provide a monthly opportunity for caregivers to receive practical tools, guidance, and reassurance as they navigate diagnosis, communication challenges, family changes, and self-care.

Counseling for Caregivers

We offer counseling and educational group offerings created especially for caregivers to provide coping tools, support, guidance and connection with others. Talk to your loved one's Roswell Park provider for a referral. These services include:

Individual counseling sessions. Short-term, supportive sessions offer emotional support, stress management strategies, coping tools, and space to discuss the challenges of caregiving.
Group offerings
- Managing difficult thoughts and feelings. This practical skill-based group uses a uses a cognitive behavioral therapy approach to help caregivers manage stress, difficult thoughts and emotions, provide coping strategies, and improve communication and sleep.
- Finding meaning in caregiving. This reflective, supportive group introduces meaning-centered psychotherapy concepts including connection, identity, and finding sources of strength and resilience.
- Mindful self-compassion. This supportive group is designed to help caregivers navigate stress, self-criticism, and emotional exhaustion while learning mindfulness and self-compassion practices.

Art programs

Roswell Park’s Art programs offers opportunities for both viewing and creating art. These include:

Art Heals Gallery. Located on the first floor in the main hospital, caregivers are encouraged to stop in, take a break from their day, and enjoy the beautiful artwork. The gallery is open Monday – Thursday, 10am – 3pm.
The Small Studio. Caregivers are invited to this this drop-in art studio, located within the Art Heals Gallery, to work with one of three artists-in-residence to expand their creativity. Check the Creative Arts Calendar for scheduled classes include painting, drawing, small sculpture, and more. The Small Studio is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11am – 3pm.

The Spiritual Care Department provides compassionate support that is sensitive to the emotional and spiritual challenges that can accompany illness. Care is centered on respecting the individual beliefs, values, and preferences of each patient and their family. Some options you may find helpful include:

All-Faith Meditation and Prayer Room. Located on the first floor in the bridge connecting the hospital to the Carlton Building (Room 1400), this space is open 24 hours a day for patients and caregivers seeking a quiet place for meditation and prayer. Weekly and monthly services, representing a variety of faith traditions, are offered throughout the year. A schedule is posted outside the room.
Bedside and Palliative Spiritual Support. Services are available at the bedside and through palliative care to support both patients and their loved ones. Support can be requested or offered by staff.
Chaplain services. Chaplains are available 24 hours a day to respond to urgent spiritual and emotional needs of patients and families.
Bereavement Support Overnight Retreat for Patients and Caregivers. This retreat includes guest speakers, structured activities, and opportunities for reflection and connection.
Remembrance Services – held for patients who have passed within the calendar year, with caregivers and families invited to attend.

The Social Work Department provides support to both patients and their families and can help you navigate both the practical and emotional challenges throughout the cancer journey. Support may include:

Emotional support and guidance throughout the cancer experience.
Help navigating work-related concerns, including changes in employment or the FMLA process.
Support with communicating medical information to children, family members, or others.
Connection to resources for financial assistance, transportation, lodging during treatment, and basic needs.
Referrals to community services for mental health or substance use support.
Help facilitating conversations with the care team around goals of care.
Assistance with advanced care planning and navigating end-of-life care

It is important to know that due to privacy regulations, social workers may only share information with caregivers if the patient has given permission for communication. You can speak with the care team about completing this consent if appropriate. To connect with social work services, caregivers can ask the care team for a referral or contact the department directly.

Caregiving can come with a range of emotional and practical challenges. The resources below offer information and guidance that may be helpful to you. Several of them are available in The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resouece Center.

Info sheets

Meet our team

Megan Sendker, LMSW, CCM

Megan Pailler, PhD

Medical Psychology