We all face health challenges at some point in our lives, and in most cases, we need the help of friends and family to get us through it. Whether the injury or illness came on suddenly or progressed over time, caring for a sick spouse may require you to make serious lifestyle and schedule changes.
Taking on the role of caregiver can present its own set of challenges.
Set Aside Time for Simple Daily Tasks
If your spouse is confined to a bed for most of the day, simple daily tasks like dressing, cooking and bathing may require some assistance. It’s important to ensure that your loved one’s physical needs are met. This may mean rearranging your work schedule to make time for meal preparation, bathing your spouse and offering assistance when getting dressed.
Consider designating one day per week to doing laundry and cooking meals that can be frozen. Remember that you don’t have to do it perfectly. It’s okay to order takeout once in a while when things get overwhelming. It’s also okay to ask friends and relatives to help with ordering medical supplies, cleaning and cooking.
Talk to Doctors Together
Don’t wait outside in the waiting room or stay silent during medical meetings. Get informed, and talk to your spouse’s practitioners together. The more you know about your partner’s condition, the better. Knowledge is power and will give you the tools you need to provide better care.
Sit down together and create a list of questions. Doing this together will allow you to talk about your concerns and find areas where you may need more information.
Be sure to prioritize your list of questions by putting the most important ones first.
Take a Gentle Approach
A major medical diagnosis may mean that your spouse has to make serious changes to his or her diet, medication routine, physical activity levels and need for rest. Having the help of a well spouse can make these changes easier to manage – if a gentle approach is taken.
Many experts recommend putting some of the burden for deciding what’s important on the health care practitioners. Otherwise, it can come off as nagging. That’s why it’s so important to discuss medications and other daily needs with your spouse’s doctors. Instead of saying, “You must take all of your medications,” you can say, “Your doctor said it’s most important to take these medications on a strict schedule, but you can take these ones a little later on today.”
Self-Care is Also Important
You cannot give your spouse all of the love, support and care that’s needed if you neglect your own needs. It’s natural to feel guilty or stressed about caring for your own needs, but it is crucial to do so.
Make sure that you set aside time for yourself. Don’t put off doctor’s appointments. Make sure that you have time to relax and unwind, or engage in a hobby that you love.
Building a support system can help make caring for your sick spouse more manageable. Friends and loved ones can help you stay positive while supporting your emotional health.