When a loved one becomes ill, it can temporarily affect the way we understand life. Our thoughts may seem scattered and our ability to implement order sometimes becomes disrupted. After the initial shock, though, we are usually better able to handle the situation. The suggestions below are thoughts to ponder if illness has struck a family member and you will be the primary caretaker.
1 Make a list of medications. When medications are documented, it provides a sense of certainty as to which drugs have been taken and which ones still need to be administered. Maybe construct a daily schedule and note the time each medicine was given.
2 Organize Doctor’s Appointments. Set aside a small notebook exclusively for scheduled appointments. As the meeting comes and goes, write down key points concerning the visit.
3 Keep Vital Information Handy. Perhaps place important cards, documents, or telephone numbers in a handy area where they can be easily retrieved. Then, if you need to find an insurance card or physician phone number, the information will be readily available.
4 Appoint a Family Member to Keep Others in the Loop. It is sometimes draining to repeat the update several times. To avoid burnout, perhaps appoint one person each week to distribute the information.
5 Educate Yourself as to the Anticipated Recuperation Period. Each illness has a different recovery window. Try to learn as much as possible as to the recovery timeframe; this way you will have some idea as to what stage might be coming next.
6 Make Contingency Plans. If something unexpected happens while you are caring for a loved one, it is easier if Plan B is determined in advance. For example, will another family member be available to assume responsibility for the remainder of the convalescent period if the recovery extends beyond the anticipated timeframe?
7 Patience is a Gift. Hardly anyone enjoys being sick. A temporary loss of freedom can sometimes alter an individual’s character. If a loved one is usually agreeable but becomes less so after an illness, try to be patient. Chances are he or she is simply frustrated by a loss of independence.
8 Don’t Accept Abuse. Periodic frustration is normal, but consistent scorn is not justifiable. If your loved one is chronically challenging, then maybe sit down and have a gentle heart to heart as to which behaviors you will tolerate and which ones you will not.
9 Locate a Respite Provider. Most people need time away. Take a periodic day or two for yourself (and have a great time!).
Caring for someone recovering from an illness can be a profound honor; there is so much we could learn! Still, it might also seem overwhelming. Keep an honest line of communication open with those around you, and the situation should progress more smoothly than expected.
