Finding out that a loved one has a serious illness is always devastating. Your first reaction will be shock, and then probably anger at how unfair the situation is. But you’ve got to be realistic and understand there are steps to take, not only for their eternity, but also for their physical care. Let’s tackle physical care and the important steps you need to take when somebody close to you is diagnosed with a serious illness.
Acceptance
The first step is usually the hardest, but it’s important that you come to terms with the situation and accept it. If you bury your head in the sand and try to pretend that it’s not happening, it won’t change anything, it will just make it harder for you and everybody around you. The important thing is that you focus on what you can do to help them feel more comfortable and live a good life. If you’re really struggling to accept the situation, it may be worth seeking help from a counsellor who can help you to deal with some of your more difficult feelings.
Care Options
When a person is diagnosed with a serious illness, it’s likely that they’re going to need care. It’s important that you start looking at your different options right away. You could move them in with you and look after them yourself, which is a good way to help that person maintain some of their independence. However, it’s a tough job being a full-time carer for somebody and you will still have your own life to lead. But if you use services that offer respite care for elderly to offer help when you aren’t available, it is manageable. If you don’t think that you have the time or the emotional strength to be a full-time carer and you don’t believe that you can offer the level of care they need, you could consider a care home. It’s the best way to make sure that they have round the clock care and all of their needs are met, but there is a financial aspect to consider because care homes can be quite expensive.
Look After Yourself
This is so important because a lot of people put all of their efforts into caring for their loved ones, and completely neglect their own health. But if you’re going to be able to look after them properly and give them everything that they need, it’s important that you’re healthy both mentally and physically. That’s why it’s so important that you focus on your own health and wellness. Make sure that you’re eating a healthy diet and trying to get regular exercise when you can, it will make a big improvement to your mental health. It’s also important that you look to friends and family for emotional support when things are getting hard, rather than carrying all of that around on your own.
Dealing with a loved one that has a serious illness is so hard, but if you follow these steps, you can face the situation head on.
Photo by Alina Strong
Mia Guerra
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