Information

It behoves the caregiver to be informed as possible about their loved ones condition. Patients recovery more quickly if they and their caregiver understand what is happening to them.

Request daily labs, (learn what the labs mean - Rocky Mountain Cancer Center gives classes on understand labs, you can also ask friends who are doctors to help you understand the labs, ask the nurses to explain results to you), ask the nurse what medications they are administering. If you do not know what the medication is for, ask.

Look on the internet about your loved one's illness. There are different levels of description for every illness. The best descriptions are given at the physician level. If you do not understand the words, ask a doctor friend or the patient's doctor.

Keep track of everything. Make your own chart of your loved one.
Write down questions that you want to ask the doctor/nurse and write down the professionals' responses. You have to write down your questions, because believe me, you never remember all the questions when you see the doctor!