Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Program

At UCSF, we understand that a brain tumor diagnosis affects not only our patients, but also their families and loved ones. To enhance the excellent medical care we provide, we established the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program. Our goal is to optimize quality of life for both our patients and their caregivers by ensuring caregivers have the resources and support they need.

Our services

We commonly advise caregivers on the following topics:

• Disease information, including symptoms, medication side effects and what to expect
• Navigating the health care system
• Financial, disability and insurance information
• Guidance for completing advance health care directives
• Connecting with local and community resources for supportive care
• Caregiver-to-caregiver peer support
• Educational workshops designed for neuro-oncology caregivers
• Support groups

Inpatient Caregiver Program

This program is designed to reach caregivers at the time of their loved one's surgery. Our caregiver nurse meets with family members in the hospital to provide valuable health information and beginning instruction on basic caregiver skills. Our aim is to prepare caregivers to look after the patient from the time of discharge to the first follow-up visit.

Educational video

The video below has recommendations to guide caregivers when their loved one goes home, particularly in the first two to three weeks after surgery, and offers tips for getting organized. The purpose of the presentation is to improve the patient's transition from the hospital to home and reduce postoperative issues during recovery.

Topics include:

• Organizing and administering medications
• Communicating with the patient’s doctors, nurses, social workers and other health care team members
• Managing and monitoring the surgical incision
• Watching for medication side effects
• Addressing potential postoperative complications
• Knowing when and whom to call if questions arise
• Strategies for getting organized
• Caregiver self-care

Recommended Resources

Caregiver resources

• Caregiver Information: List of Resources
• Orientation to Caregiving Handbook
• Transitions in Care Handbook

Caregiver support

• UCSF Brain Tumor Caregiver Support Group
• Caregiver Connection Program

Resources for health care providers

• Manual for Health Care Providers: End-of-Life Care for Brain Tumor Patients

Family and caregiver events

• Milton Marks Neuro-Oncology Family Camp

Other caregiver resources

• Net of Care: Caregiving resources provided by Beth Israel University Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Lotsa Helping Hands: A care calendar website
• Help for Cancer Caregivers: A personalized self-care web tool for caregivers
• Family Caregiver Alliance: Provides caregiving resources around the country, with educational literature available on various relevant topics.
• Neurology Caregiver Corner: More resources for caregivers of patients with neurological diseases

Make a donation

The UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program is philanthropically funded. These services would not be possible without the support of our generous donors. To learn more about the history of our program and how you can support our work, please visit braintumorcenter.ucsf.edu.