Someone you love gets ill, very ill. What do you do? 
It can be your child, your spouse or partner, 
your elderly parents or a sibling.

There are many who find themselves in the role of an 
instant caregiver. Lucky for those with training or vast 
knowledge of the medical and health system. This 
background comes in handy.

There are many who are unprepared for what can be 
one of the most challenging situation they will encounter 
during their life. Caregiving can be overwhelming, 
stressful and confusing.

What do you do? Where do you start to learn about what 
to do? Common sense plays a big role, but there are other 
demands on the caregiver- in terms of physical, mental, 
emotional, social and financial state. You're in for a 
tough role, one that can not be taken lightly.

For those who are computer savvy, get on the internet; 
there is a lot to learn about your new role as a caregiver. 
Otherwise, your family doctor can be helpful in directing 
you to services available in your community. Do not 
hesitate to ask relatives and friends for advice.
Most of us know someone who's been there and done that.

A caregiver or carer, needs to be prepared for the new role. 
This can be temporary, at worst, indefinitely longer than 
expected. This means heavy demand on your time, your patience, 
your coping skills, a test of your stamina and most importantly, 
of the love in your heart.

Things to consider:

Physical environment

Prepare the sick room. What gadgets are recommended for the 
patient? How much room is needed? Are you prepared to 
rearrange the room?

Make supplies accessible, to make it easier especially at 
night. Take time to arrange these supplies, from clothing 
to basic hygiene accessories needed regularly.

Rest area for the caregiver when it is necessary to stay 
in the same room as the patient.

It helps to have a bright room- some patients prefer a darkened 
room; try to talk them out of it. Soft lighting may help.

Sight and smell may not be as obvious to the patient and 
caregiver, but consider the reaction of visitors to offensive 
smells. Try to keep the room properly ventilated. Pay attention 
to general hygiene- of the patient and the room. 
Fresh flowers now and then not only cheers up the patient 
but gives the room that necessary "lift." Do not overpower 
the room with air fresheners and the like.

These sound like a lot of work- but keeping on top of these
make it easier.

Patient care

There is almost always the need to help the patient in and 
out of bed. This means lifting. There is a right way and a 
wrong way to lift anything. Many caregivers suffer personal 
injury from lifting. Be kind to yourself. Learn how to do 
lifting properly. Seek help as necessary.

Personal care and hygiene for the patient requires patience. 
For bedridden patients, find ways to minimize or eliminate 
bed sores. Anything that adds discomfort to the patient means 
discomfort for the caregiver as well.

When possible, encourage the patient to be interactive. 
Be gentle and kind- the patient has feelings too, despite 
their condition. The patient needs to be reassured of 
love and respect .

 Caregiver's welfare

This is not a 24/7 duty. No one can do this without taking 
respite time. Rest when you can, know that there is a limit 
to human endurance and patience. Learn to ask for help from relatives , 
neighbors and friends. It may surprise you that your next door 
neighbor who you think is snobbish can be most compassionate.

 Take up meditation 

Always give yourself time for yourself. A few minutes of 
meditation can do wonders for you. The benefits of meditation 
stays with you long after your duties are over. It is one 
of the best ways to clear your mind, helps you to connect
with your inner self to draw from that deep well of strength, 
patience and courage. 

It is a way to help you keep calm as you deal with your 
role as a caregiver.

Remember that your life must move on. Amid the duties and 
demands on your time, take a break and do the things that 
interest you. Be responsible for your own health and well being.


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