Organization and preparation the basis for change
The beginnings of caring for a sick person are often difficult - our daily life changes, new responsibilities and challenges arise that are not easy to cope with. The new reality can be overwhelming for caregivers, and that's when it makes sense to focus on a few organizational steps to get our life with the sick person back in order. - The first step should be to determine who will be the patient's primary caregiver, and if several people will be involved in the caregiving, responsibilities should also be divided and a clear plan of action created. This will give us a sense of control over the situation and boost our confidence in our new role," says Magdalena Frąckowiak, a psychologist at Puck Hospice of St. Padre Pio.
Next, let's deal with matters of adapting the house to the patient's needs - in most cases, this will be first and foremost taking care of the patient's own space, as well as installing various types of bathroom facilities. - The patient's comfort is very important - lack of comfort can aggravate ailments and lower the patient's mood, the expert adds. - So, let's learn how to perform nursing tasks such as washing, changing bed positions and changing bed sheets safely, but also with great sensitivity. We also need to learn how to deal with the ailments in question, the principles of nutrition or the basics of physiotherapy. We can take advice from specialists, but such a guide at our fingertips is the portal bliskochorego.pl, run by Puckie Hospice. It's a compendium of knowledge for caregivers, with professional advice and guidance," says Magdalena Frąckowiak. It's also a good idea to organize documents related to the patient's medical history - to have in one place the doctor's recommendations for management and dosage of medicines, notes on observations of the patient's condition, instructions for dealing with aggravated ailments of the patient's chart, hospital discharges, referrals and certificates.
Caregiver, don't forget yourself
Stepping into the role of caregiver involves certain restrictions on family and social life, an increase in the number of responsibilities, the need to obtain information and provide adequate care, and often cohabitation and, as a result, growing fatigue. Caring for a loved one also has certain emotional consequences; in addition to care, love and the desire to help, anxiety, guilt, irritability or helplessness are often present in the whole range of feelings. - In order to provide good and responsible care for the patient, one must not forget one's own health, physical and mental. Notorious neglect of one's own needs will have negative consequences not only for the caregiver, but also for the loved ones under his care. It is important to try to eat well and qualitatively, sleep a sufficient number of hours or take care of physical fitness, because exercise and movement improve the quality of sleep, relieve tension - without this the body will quickly become overloaded," explains Magdalena Frąckowiak of Puck Hospice.
Most caregivers, absorbed in daily life with a sick person, overlook their needs or put them off. This is a big mistake - These small moments of respite are crucial. They help mitigate the long-term effects of stress, such as burnout, depression or physical ailments. That's why, early on in our journey as caregivers, it's worth carving out a little space for small pleasures, meeting with loved ones, pursuing your passions or playing sports. It is worth remembering that a caregiver actually has two charges: the sick person and himself," suggests Magdalena Frąckowiak.
Difficult moments are inevitable - be prepared and seek help
Being a caregiver for a dependent person is a difficult task - one that is both physically and mentally taxing. Caregivers experience a variety of difficulties, depending on the patient's level of independence, the presence of support persons, the financial situation, the relationship with the patient and many others. Regardless, any caregiver may experience apathy or have less desire to perform daily duties. It is sometimes the case that caregivers develop burnout, understood as an overload of care - it is not a short-term crisis, but a process consisting of three elements: emotional exhaustion, loss of satisfaction from the caregiving role and loss of commitment. - Burnout is accompanied by many intense, often very unpleasant emotions such as irritability, anger at the patient, helplessness, guilt or shame. Although this condition does not require medical treatment, external help is necessary, the psychologist notes. Here the key is the support of family and friends, possible cutting off from daily chores or, if that's not possible, help with small things. - If this is not enough, one can turn to specialists for help - in the form of individual consultations with a psychologist, support groups or workshops for caregivers , the expert adds.
For practical tips and instructions compiled by Puck Hospice experts, visit www.bliskochorego.pl.
Source: Hospice of Puck
