Taking Care of Someone Who is Ill
by Michelle Eisenreich
The act of taking care of someone who is ill or otherwise unable to care for themselves, either because of illness or the aging process, is not an easy task. Many family members take on this monumental effort without realizing the toll it can take on them and those around them. At-home, extended care and hospice caregivers are a special blend of professional knowledge and human compassion.
Not every health care professional can manage long term caregiving, just as family members shouldn’t be discouraged if they find it overwhelming. It takes a great deal of patience in dealing with someone in pain or suffering confusion from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Seeking the help of professionals can allow loved ones to focus on savoring the interaction with their loved ones, and maintaining the positive feelings and emotions that are so critical to our family connections.
For more information on options for your loved ones and your family, there is a wealth of resources available online. These sites can aid in finding support in your area, such as Family Caregivers Online and Caregiver Action Network.
Many of these sites are offer peer networks and forums. It often helps to share your uncertainties, questions and concerns with others experiencing or who have experienced what you are going through.
As humans, our natural instinct can be to take on the responsibility of caring for our own, and that should always be honored. But seeking professional help is never a failure to care, but in fact can be a great assistance not only to the patient but to the family as well.