Taking care of loved ones who can no longer care for themselves is difficult. Resilience and dedication are required, regardless of whether the person is chronically unwell or severely injured and facing a lengthy rehabilitation period. Caregivers may sometimes feel like they've given up their old lives.
The materials at your disposal can help you prepare even if you don't. When deciding on a care strategy, keep the following things in mind:
1. Conduct Research on the Illness
The diagnosis and prognosis of your loved ones might help you anticipate their demands and give you a sense of control.
It's a good idea to learn as much as you can about the situation you're in. If you have permission, speak with their doctors to learn more about their health. Do your own research online, but don't put your faith in everything you read. Instead, consult with their medical professionals after consulting your findings.
2. Get Professional Help
If you feel they require professional help, start searching to get it. That may include selecting the best facility suited to your loved one's needs, looking for the best doctor in the field, or admitting them to the hospital. Whether they suffer from mental or physical health problems, you can easily learn more about a treatment facility online that caters to their needs.
If you admit them to a facility, keep checking on them. Visit them as frequently as possible and ensure they get the right support. Talk to the doctor to update yourself on their progress and changing needs.
3. Include other Family Members in the Care Plan
It might be hard for you to be the sole caregiver of someone. In such an instance, do not be afraid to ask for help from other family members. Then, you can divide and share responsibilities according to the patient's needs.
For example, you can take the responsibility of driving them to the hospital or for doctor's appointments. At the same time, others can give the patient their medications at the right time. A third member can check their bathing schedules and help them go to the bathroom if required.
It makes it much easier to care for someone without burdening yourself with all the responsibilities.
4. Encourage your Loved Ones to be Independent whenever They Can
Doing this allows your loved ones to feel empowered and confident if they feel they can take care of certain things. Studies have shown that people actively involved in their care will likely improve sooner. It might also take some burden off your chest.
It is easier to let your loved one be independent, especially if they are not severely ill. However, if your family member starts to feel better, you should encourage the person to attempt certain things independently.
5. Be Patient
It is important to remain calm, deal with patience and not react outwardly to their emotional outbursts or if they refuse to take their medications or go to doctor's appointments. Give them time to calm down, listen, and talk to them calmly. Eventually, they will cool off and listen to you.
It is also important to take a little time out from caregiving. Overburdening yourself might lead you to lose your patience.
6. Maintain Confidentiality
From a legal standpoint, you must not share your family member's medical records and history. Only access the information that your loved one allows you. At the same time, if they ask not to share certain information with someone, you must also adhere to that.
Ideally, you must only access enough information to help you be a better caregiver and act in line with the patient's care plan.
7. Take care of their Meal Schedules and Diet
If the doctor asked them to refrain from certain foods and take more of something, take note of that. Prepare their meals and store them beforehand, so they are readily available.
A sick person's meal timings may differ from a healthy person's. Make sure they eat and drink right in between meals. Consult the doctor if you require any clarification. Some foods might outright be harmful to them. Therefore, avoid them completely.
8. Take them out
It is not good for someone to lay in bed all day. Instead, try to take them out for a walk to get fresh air and vitamin D. Sitting in the sun for some time can help cure many diseases. The sun's radiation helps kill certain germs, making the person feel better. Sunlight also works wonders for people with a cold. It opens up nasal cavities and helps with throat aches.
If they cannot walk, try to arrange a wheelchair to put them in and then take them to the park for a nature walk. It helps divert their mind from the sickness and alleviates their mood.
9. Provide Moral Support
In addition to physical care, the sick also require moral support. Feeling loved, cared for, and appreciated can go a long mile. It can even help in recovering before time. Research has also shown that happier people tend to fall sick less often.
Therefore, try doing whatever makes them happy. Try having a positive outlook on everything so that your loved one can take inspiration from you. Additionally, support with anything that you can.
10. Be Mindful of Their Changing Needs
Your loved one's needs can change over time. Initially, they may require constant care. However, with time, their needs may drop as they begin to get better. They may also require certain medical equipment or nursing care. Therefore, be sure to check the progress over time.
Conclusion
Caregiving for a sick family member can be much easier if you follow these simple tips. It is important not to neglect your responsibilities since your loved one depends on you while they are sick or injured. In addition to physical care, moral support is equally essential. If your loved one is happier, it may help the person get better quickly. Also, engage in some interesting activities with them and take them for a walk to get fresh air. These are just some small things that can make a big difference in their everyday life. Good luck!