Looking for some advice: I share a house with someone who has terminal cancer

Hi. 

I'm a Tennant in a house and the only other person in it has terminal cancer. He has no family.

I've put myself in his shoes so to speak. I thought about how difficult and worrying it would be to be so unwell and no one to assist you in day to day stuff like cooking, shopping, etc. 

The person who is unwell has little energy and motivation. I'm happy to step up as I am and support him but I'm worried I'll become his parent and then find myself anxious and worried.

I'm hoping to find some advice and ideas so that I can continue to support him but also get on with my daily life which has been a challenge for many years as I manage my mental health daily the best I can. Recently I've been feeling unwell. Anxious. Worried. Over concerned........

  • Hi Michael21 and welcome to the forum and well done in offering to help. Having terminal cancer is a very emotional experience and i would imagine having no one to support you or to talk too and being alone would make things much harder, Michael maybe this man just needs someone to talk too at this time, so maybe just getting to know him, letting him know he is not alone and has someone to talk to when he needs too will lift his motivation and his wellbeing. When you see him talk to him like you talk to your friends, don't mention cancer, if he wants to talk about it that's ok and please don't say thing like, your looking well, how are you feeling or are you ok today. Michael i have terminal cancer and am 100% independent and maybe this man is as well and is going through a tough time emotionally at this time. I am sorry to hear of your mental health issues and your recent feelings, though i would see being over concerned as a sign of a good person, I hope you are able to help this man and who knows you may help yourself as well, take care.

    Eddie