by Camille Johnson,
At some point in most of our lives, we will have a friend or family member come down with a serious health condition. Cancer, dementia, or even an accident that causes paralysis or brain damage can all happen to anyone. But, it’s not always easy to know how to provide support to the people in our lives that need it most. South Lake Tablet outlines a few ways that you can help.
Understand their condition.
There are many medical issues that can cause your loved one to need help. Once you know what’s going on with them, spend some time researching their disease/condition and how it can affect their daily life. If they suffer from pain, for example, do some research on how the brain processes pain; even if you can’t stop it, just understanding the pain process can make you a more compassionate caregiver.
Help them establish a peaceful home.
Many people don’t realize just how important a stress-free home is for people with chronic health conditions. The quickest way to reduce stress at home is to simply clean and declutter. You might also spend some time creating a quiet reflection or meditation space or clearing out a closet for medical equipment or supplies so that they have an organized place for all of the things they need.
Tackle repairs and upgrades.
When your loved one is diagnosed with a chronic condition, their life will change in an instant. They may need special accommodations at home, and you can help. If you’re handy, consider grabbing your toolbox and tackling a project or two that will make it easy for them to maneuver throughout or otherwise enjoy their home. Something as simple as adding blackout curtains so they can sleep better or rearranging their living room to accommodate a wheelchair will be very much appreciated.
Do their grocery shopping.
Nutrition is crucial for everybody, but especially those fighting serious diseases. If your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, for example, they should ramp up their diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables and freshly squeezed juices, according to Healthline. Spend an afternoon grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals once each week so they have one less worry on their plate.
Research care options.
When your loved one is battling cognitive decline or a physically degenerative disease, they may need to look ahead at their living arrangements. It’s not always possible for people to maintain their independence. Help them research their long-term care options, which might include memory care or home health. If they will require assisted living or round-the-clock care, help them research local communities in order to find the right fit for both their circumstances and budget.
Build a support network on their behalf.
Your loved one will need lots of support from many people. Help them build a support network, which could include chronic illness groups – MensGroup.com explains that there are four types of chronic illness groups: specific, peer-to-peer, health professional-led, and caregiver – housekeepers, lawn care professionals, and even neighborhood members that can check up on them you can’t.
While there are many ways that you can lend a helping hand, the most important thing you can do is listen and pay attention. Taking your loved one to the doctor and picking up their medications are great gestures, but there are plenty of other ways that you can be helpful. Start by understanding their condition, and then look for ways to ease their burden. Even if you can’t do everything, every gesture of kindness helps, and everything you do to help will ease their burden.
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