When a loved one is unwell, it tends to be difficult to know how to console and help. It’s natural to feel the urge to do something to support them, but it’s also common to have no clue about where to start.
Being ill is upsetting, not only for the person experiencing it, but also for those taking care of them. While it can be tricky, certain strategies can still help your loved ones feel better during tough times.
Fostering Open and Compassionate Communication
One of the most helpful things you can do for your loved ones with health issues is to create an environment where they feel at ease and encouraged to share their feelings, concerns, and thoughts.
This is particularly important when families face complex medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy. The journey to receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis is exhausting and filled with uncertainty.
It most frequently occurs in the first two years of life, though mild cases are not diagnosed until later in life. Parents learning about their little ones having this problem will need all the help and support they can get, and that’s when you must play your role.
Parents might notice delayed milestones or unusual muscle tone before medical professionals can provide a definite answer.
During this phase, you have to be there for your family members and promote open communication to share hope, fears, and questions.
To handle it well, you need to learn how to be completely present when communicating. Be sure to accept their feelings even if you don’t agree or comprehend them fully.
Under no circumstances should you be downplaying their worries or rushing to provide them with solutions. Let them take their time.
Providing Practical Assistance
While emotional support is necessary, practical support is also vital, especially when your loved one is dealing with a disability.
Daily tasks become a bit too much to manage with illness or disability. Be sure to lend a helping hand to ease some of the load and help them focus on getting better.
Begin by offering a hand with home tasks. This can be cooking, house cleaning, and other stuff. Let them know what you can help them with.
Be sure to ask them about how they would want certain tasks done. Respect their autonomy and make them feel as if they’re still in control.
Encouraging Self-Care
When faced with health problems, it’s easy for individuals to be fixated on their ailment, often forgetting about their own health in the process.
As a caring family member or friend, you need to encourage them to take care of themselves.
Remember, it’s not about persuading them to “stay positive”, but more about gently reminding them to take care of their emotional and physical needs.
This may include suggesting the idea of an activity that helps them feel relaxed, like reading or listening to music.
You may join them for a short walk, or do some gentle exercise if they are able to. Just make sure to be sensitive to their energy levels and social needs when making a plan.
Endnote
Caring for a loved one through health struggles is a very personal and sometimes complicated task. Following the right strategies can surely help.
As long as you understand the importance of being with them, handling things with patience, and considering their evolving needs, everything will fall into place.