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Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma.

Caring for Someone With Mesothelioma

Caring for someone with mesothelioma takes a lot out of you, not just physically, but also emotionally and financially. When you help a loved one manage this illness, you have to deal with a medical system that is complex and confusing, along with big expenses.

Here, we offer guidance and reassurance, along with practical resources for mesothelioma caregivers.

Written by: Lisa Merriam | Medical review by: MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT | Legal review by: Jamie Pfeiffer, JD |

Updated on:Jul 23, 2025

What to expect on your caregiver journey

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer, often linked to past asbestos exposure. It can be very hard on the person diagnosed with it, as well as those providing care and support.

As a mesothelioma caregiver, you’ll have to manage medical care while helping with daily life and providing emotional support. Navigating healthcare systems can be challenging, from keeping track of appointments to researching treatment options. The same goes for dealing with money and potential legal issues.

When taking care of someone else, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Ask for help, find mesothelioma support resources, take breaks and get rest.

The future can be tough for someone with mesothelioma. It’s important to be honest, but also remain hopeful. That way, you and your loved ones can better face each day.

Find out if your loved one’s mesothelioma was caused by exposure to a dangerous product

“Many people who develop mesothelioma were unknowingly exposed to asbestos years, or sometimes even decades, before their diagnosis. This exposure often happened on the job or through everyday products like talcum powder that contained asbestos. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you could have legal options. Find out if you're eligible to pursue compensation from those who may be at fault.”

Learn more about the connection between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos and talcum powder:

— Jamie Pfeiffer, JD, Medical Contributor
Explore Asbestos Risks
Explore Talcum Powder Risks

How can I help someone with mesothelioma?

When caring for someone with mesothelioma, you’ll likely have to take on many different tasks, including helping them with the routine activities of life.

Emotional support is just as important. You can help by listening to concerns, helping them cope with a tough diagnosis and being a voice for hope. You can also help research treatments, make appointments and manage bills and expenses.

While supporting a loved one with mesothelioma, don’t forget about your own well-being. Get the support you need from family, friends, mesothelioma support groups and trained professionals.

Assisting with everyday activities

Mesothelioma home care is about helping your loved one with daily activities. Making someone feel cared for and comfortable is a big part of being a mesothelioma caregiver. You might help them with:

  • Bathing, grooming, brushing teeth and using the toilet.

  • Getting dressed.

  • Cooking meals, eating, drinking and cleaning up.

  • Getting around the house safely.

  • Keeping track of medications and doctor instructions.

  • Transportation to and from appointments.

  • Doing chores in the house and around town.

Managing mesothelioma medications and appointments

One of the tougher mesothelioma caregiver struggles is navigating the healthcare system. Staying organized can take a big burden off the shoulders of a loved one. Mesothelioma medical support can include:

  • Keeping track of medications, such as when to take them, how much to take and when to refill a prescription.

  • Reminding your loved one to take their medicine.

  • Documenting any symptom changes or new reactions.

  • Keeping a calendar of doctor appointments.

  • Following up on any test results or next steps.

  • Organizing important medical information.

  • Ensuring medical instructions are clear.

How mesothelioma caregivers can help.

Offering support and encouragement

Helping a person with mesothelioma isn’t just about practical tasks and medical details — caring for feelings is just as important. Mesothelioma emotional support involves giving comfort, connection and understanding when it’s needed the most. Here are ways to help:

  • Showing love, patience and understanding.

  • Listening without interrupting.

  • Simply being there to provide companionship.

  • Encouraging them to share how they feel.

  • Offering reassurance in challenging moments.

  • Celebrating good days and good news whenever possible.

  • Encouraging self-care.

  • Giving them space and time when needed.

Helping with finances and paperwork

Handling the bills and paperwork related to mesothelioma treatment is a heavy load. However, helping to manage finances can take a lot of stress off the shoulders of your loved one. You can help by:

  • Organizing bills and making sure they get paid on time.

  • Keeping track of medical bills and insurance statements.

  • Reviewing important documents for any errors.

  • Filling out, submitting, tracking and appealing insurance claims.

  • Applying for financial aid, grants and patient assistance.

  • Dealing with benefits providers like Social Security, VA and other agencies.

  • Budgeting out-of-pocket treatment expenses.

  • Storing medical records, insurance cards and legal forms in a safe place.

  • Coordinating with hospital social workers and financial counselors.

  • Assisting with legal documents and paperwork as needed.

Being their advocate

When your loved one is sick, they might not have the energy to stand up for themselves. In addition to providing care and comfort, you can step into this role by making sure their voice is heard and their wishes are respected. Mesothelioma support includes things like:

  • Asking questions during appointments and keeping a record of answers.

  • Helping weigh options and make decisions.

  • Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.

  • Helping your loved one get a second opinion.

  • Taking notes and reviewing care plans to make sure they’re followed.

  • Communicating with other family members and friends.

  • Coordinating with the medical team.

  • Making sure everyone understands your loved one’s needs and wishes.

More information about non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Mesothelioma early warning signs & symptoms
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Dealing with the costs of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma financial help.

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Explore and compare different mesothelioma treatments, as well as your options for getting financial help.

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More ways to support a loved one with mesothelioma

You don’t have to be the one in charge of caring for someone with mesothelioma to make a difference. Sometimes, even a small gesture can have a big impact.

Find ways to brighten your loved one's day and ease their burden in ways such as:

  • Dropping off a home-cooked meal, delivering groceries or running to the pharmacy.

  • Taking care of errands like mailing letters or walking the dog.

  • Offering rides to appointments and social outings.

  • Handling cleaning, yard work and pet care.

  • Visiting to watch a show, play cards or just spend time together.

  • Letting them know you’re thinking of them with cards and small gifts.

  • Researching programs that offer financial aid and emotional support.

  • Coordinating visits from other friends and family members.

Self-care tips for mesothelioma caregivers

Mesothelioma caregiver struggles.

As a mesothelioma caregiver, it’s easy to become so involved in caring for your loved one that you forget to take care of yourself. Providing support can be both rewarding and draining. It takes a toll over time, putting you at risk of stress, fatigue and potential health problems of your own. Your loved one needs you, so it’s important to stay strong. 


Look after your own health and well-being. Self-care tips for mesothelioma caregivers include:

  • Take time for yourself.

  • See friends.

  • Do something that recharges you.

  • Take breaks each day—even five minutes helps.

  • Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk.

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Take up a relaxing hobby, listen to music or read that book you’ve always wanted to check out.

  • Remember your own medical appointments and health screenings.

  • Share any worries or concerns with family, friends or a support group.

  • Set boundaries when needed.

Could past exposure to a dangerous product be linked to your loved one’s mesothelioma?

“Asbestos exposure remains the primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Exposure often occurs through long-term work in certain industries or from using household items like asbestos-contaminated talcum powder. Because symptoms can take decades to develop, many people are unaware of when or how they were exposed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you might be eligible to file a claim for compensation to help with treatment and related expenses.”

Learn more about how asbestos and talcum powder have been linked to mesothelioma:

— MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT, Licensed Respiratory Therapist
Explore Asbestos Risks
Explore Talcum Powder Risks

FAQs

  • What resources are available for mesothelioma caregivers?

    Providing mesothelioma support can leave you feeling alone and overwhelmed. It’s a lot to deal with, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seek help and support from mesothelioma caregiver resources, like online groups, professional counselors and dedicated communities. Legal assistance programs can connect you with even more resources and potential financial aid.

  • Can I take time off work as a caregiver?

    Providing mesothelioma support is a full-time job. When you have to work at the same time, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some options that might help give you a break:

    • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): If your employer is covered by the FMLA, a federal law, you may be able to take up to 12 unpaid weeks off every year. This includes job protection, so you can take the time you need without fear of losing your position.

    • State paid family leave: Many states offer additional programs that give you a portion of your usual pay when you take time off to care for a family member who is seriously ill.

    • Vacation time/paid time off: If you’ve earned vacation days, sick leave or other paid time off (PTO), you may be able to use some or all of these benefits to provide care with less financial worry. Your employer may also allow other employees to donate their own saved time to help ease your financial burden.

    • Flexible work arrangements: Your employer may be able to let you work from home or work flexible hours so that it’s easier for you to balance work with providing care.

  • How can I comfort someone who has mesothelioma?

    Sometimes, simply being there is enough. Mesothelioma support can take the form of being a good listener. Let them know that their feelings are normal and that you’re willing to talk through them. Saying something simple but heartfelt can be enormously helpful. This includes:

    • I’m here for you no matter what.

    • It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling.

    • You won’t face this alone—we’ll get through this together.

    • I’m listening whenever you want to talk.

  • Is mesothelioma considered a disability?

    Yes, mesothelioma is classified as a disability under the Social Security Administration’s listing for malignant neoplastic diseases. That means your loved one may be able to qualify for disability benefits. They might also get fast-track approval if they meet certain medical criteria.


    If your loved one is a veteran, they may be entitled to VA disability compensation if they were exposed to asbestos during their military service. Effectively caring for someone with mesothelioma might include helping them apply for these benefits in order to ease the financial burden of treatment.

Meet the experts behind the article

Lisa Merriam
Lisa Merriam

Written by:

Lisa Merriam

Lisa Merriam is an experienced copywriter specializing in medical content, combining technical precision with clarity to ensure articles are accessible and accurate.

Read more
MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT
MaryAnn DePietro

Medical review by:

MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT

MaryAnn DePietro is a licensed respiratory therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience in critical care, emergency medicine, and pulmonary rehabilitation. With a strong background in patient care and medical writing, MaryAnn provides a valuable medical perspective for reviewing health-related articles.

Read more
Jamie Pfeiffer, JD
Jamie Pfeiffer, JD

Legal review by:

Jamie Pfeiffer, JD

Jamie L. Pfeiffer is a retired attorney with extensive experience litigating large-scale asbestos and toxic tort cases in Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. She brings a wealth of legal expertise to reviewing articles about toxic exposure and legal accountability in mass torts.

Read more