Generally speaking a chronic illness is one that will normally last three months or longer. It may surprise you that 7 out of every 10 deaths in the US is from chronic related diseases. With the rise in health care costs, there is a growing trend for people to follow a more family oriented chronic care strategy at their own home for their family and loved ones.
There are no stead-fast rules that apply for these family care situations. However, there are some ideas that someone could try following to help make things better long term situations. One reason more people are pursuing these ideas is they wish to remain near their family and understand that even a family member who has a medical issue still may have something to offer their family.
One of the important items that could be done is to maintain positive open communications. It is important that they see you are only there to help make their life better. Let them see they can speak to you regarding concerns they may have. Often this type of illnesses could cause extreme personality changes and memory loss, show patience as work through this.
If they see a doctor often take an active part in their appointments. Nobody likes seeing a doctor alone, including family members that have a terminal illness. By going to them, you not only give them a ride there and back but could fill prescriptions or remember important things to bring along. You may also have relevant information which the patient could have forgotten. When the visit is over you could help schedule their follow up appointment so it will not be missed.
Most of the people that have long term illnesses will typically require some form of treatment with assorted medicines and pills. It is vital to become knowledgeable about these items to maintain the safety of your loved ones. Take the time to understand what they do and if there are any possible drug or food interactions.
As boring as it sounds go back to college. Many colleges have classes that are specifically targeted for people who will be taking care of their family members while at home. You often learn CPR, first aid and how to dress or bathe somebody. The classes are typically not long and worth every nickel they cost.
Try encouraging them to keep a journal to write about anything happening to them and how they are feeling. This may seem foolish at first but may really help to fine tune the medical treatment and help pin-point treatment areas the doctor may be missing. It does not need to be elaborate, only a simple journal which they take a few moments each day to write in.
You are suppose to help with solving any issues they could possibly have, not make new issues for them. Often it takes time to regain a their trust but this is critical if you honestly plan to assist them with their chronic care be it short or long term. It could be tough, just do not give up.
There are no stead-fast rules that apply for these family care situations. However, there are some ideas that someone could try following to help make things better long term situations. One reason more people are pursuing these ideas is they wish to remain near their family and understand that even a family member who has a medical issue still may have something to offer their family.
One of the important items that could be done is to maintain positive open communications. It is important that they see you are only there to help make their life better. Let them see they can speak to you regarding concerns they may have. Often this type of illnesses could cause extreme personality changes and memory loss, show patience as work through this.
If they see a doctor often take an active part in their appointments. Nobody likes seeing a doctor alone, including family members that have a terminal illness. By going to them, you not only give them a ride there and back but could fill prescriptions or remember important things to bring along. You may also have relevant information which the patient could have forgotten. When the visit is over you could help schedule their follow up appointment so it will not be missed.
Most of the people that have long term illnesses will typically require some form of treatment with assorted medicines and pills. It is vital to become knowledgeable about these items to maintain the safety of your loved ones. Take the time to understand what they do and if there are any possible drug or food interactions.
As boring as it sounds go back to college. Many colleges have classes that are specifically targeted for people who will be taking care of their family members while at home. You often learn CPR, first aid and how to dress or bathe somebody. The classes are typically not long and worth every nickel they cost.
Try encouraging them to keep a journal to write about anything happening to them and how they are feeling. This may seem foolish at first but may really help to fine tune the medical treatment and help pin-point treatment areas the doctor may be missing. It does not need to be elaborate, only a simple journal which they take a few moments each day to write in.
You are suppose to help with solving any issues they could possibly have, not make new issues for them. Often it takes time to regain a their trust but this is critical if you honestly plan to assist them with their chronic care be it short or long term. It could be tough, just do not give up.
About the Author:
When you need the finest in chronic care check out this link to Genbcorp Health Consulting Services. We provide guidance in disease prevention, disease management and wellness consulting, and more details are available at http://www.mygenbcorphealth.com today.
No comments:
Post a Comment