It is often said that in some ways, declining health or news of a terminal illness can actually be harder on the loved ones.
Of course, it is impossible to compare grief. These situations are incredibly complex and personal, and everyone’s reaction will be entirely different. But with that said, it’s certainly true that it’s all too easy to focus on the patient and overlook those around them: especially caregivers.
Watching someone you love go through pain is one of the hardest things any of us will ever have to do – especially when you feel so powerless to help and so responsible for their wellbeing. This can take a huge psychological toll. So here are some tips to help you find peace of mind.
Accept Your Limitations
The first and most important piece of advice is to accept your limitations, to know what you can’t do and to be willing to sometimes say ‘no’.
This can feel awful. What if that one time you don’t go round is the time they need you? Will they feel abandoned?
Unfortunately, the truth is that you very much need to focus on yourself sometimes. If you don’t look after you, then you’ll be of no use to anyone. You are only human and deep down, they know you are doing your best.
Sometimes you need a holiday. If you can call on friends and family then great. But if not? You still need to go. Because sometimes you won’t be available even when you are there. No one can live in a constant state of ‘what if’.
Use Medical Alert Systems
There are things that the elderly, ill, or disabled friends and relatives can do too. There is some responsibility on you here too. The best thing to do is to buy a medical device.
Medical alert systems provide a crucial role by providing a means of convenient contact with medical emergency staff. In the case of a fall, heart attack, stroke or any other emergency, users can then call our the emergency services simply at the touch of a button.
This has one very clear advantage – it could save your life. But at the same time, it also has a number of other advantages that go beyond that. Read on and we’ll look at what some of those are.
It’s Always On Your Person
The best medical alert systems these days are portable or wearable, or at least have a portable component. This means that if you fall over in the garden, you’ll be able to call for help. Even something as simple as a broken ankle can leave you stranded otherwise and if you don’t get regular visitors you could be lying outdoors for days before someone comes to help.
It Gives You More Freedom
The fact that you always have an emergency alarm to hand can give you more confidence and freedom to go outside and to stray a little further from home.
It Puts Your Loved Ones’ Minds at Rest
When we start becoming more vulnerable, it’s only natural for our loved ones to worry about us – especially if they don’t live near enough to help. It’s a horrible feeling wondering if your parent, grandparent or friend is okay and knowing that they’d have no way to contact you if it wasn’t, so why not help them to relax even if you’re not worried?
It Prevents False Alarms
If you don’t have a medical alert system and you don’t answer the phone right away, it’s very easy for imaginations to kick into gear which can lead to family members kicking down the door. With a medical alert system you can prevent this situation and save yourself the stress.
Do it for you, but do it for your loved ones too. And caregivers? Encourage this strongly!
Melissa Bell
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