Generally speaking a chronic illness is one that will normally last three months or longer. It may surprise you that 7 out of every 10 deaths in the US is from chronic related diseases. With the rise in health care costs, there is a growing trend for people to follow a more family oriented chronic care strategy at their own home for their family and loved ones.
There are no real rules that are applicable to these new home care scenarios. There are some basic tips that everyone can follow to help make things go easier for long term care. One of the greatest reasons people pursue this idea is because they wish to stay close to family members and realize that even family members that have medical problems still have much to offer their families.
One of the more important things which can be done is keeping any communication as open as is possible. It is critical that they understand you are only there to help them out. Help them understand that they may talk to you about the concerns they feel. Many times these illnesses may cause memory loss and extreme personality changes, always be patient to work through this.
If they still see a doctor regularly take an active role in their appointments. No one likes going to the doctor alone, this includes family members with long term illnesses. By becoming active, you not only offer them a ride back and forth but can fill prescriptions and remember important items to bring along. You could also know relevant information that the patient may have forgotten. At the end of the visit you can help schedule their next appointment so they will not miss it.
Most of the people that have long term illnesses will typically require some form of treatment with assorted medicines and pills. It is vital to become knowledgeable about these items to maintain the safety of your loved ones. Take the time to understand what they do and if there are any possible drug or food interactions.
As boring as it could sound try taking some college classes. Many colleges have specifically targeted classes to assist people who take care of any family members in their home. You should learn first aid or CPR or even how to bathe and dress people. These classes are generally quite short and yes, worth every dime they cost.
Try encouraging them to keep a journal to write about anything happening to them and how they are feeling. This may seem foolish at first but may really help to fine tune the medical treatment and help pin-point treatment areas the doctor may be missing. It does not need to be elaborate, only a simple journal which they take a few moments each day to write in.
You are there to help solve their problems not create new ones for them. Many times it will take a while to regain a loved ones trust but it is important if you plan to help them with long term chronic care. It will be tough, but do not give up.
There are no real rules that are applicable to these new home care scenarios. There are some basic tips that everyone can follow to help make things go easier for long term care. One of the greatest reasons people pursue this idea is because they wish to stay close to family members and realize that even family members that have medical problems still have much to offer their families.
One of the more important things which can be done is keeping any communication as open as is possible. It is critical that they understand you are only there to help them out. Help them understand that they may talk to you about the concerns they feel. Many times these illnesses may cause memory loss and extreme personality changes, always be patient to work through this.
If they still see a doctor regularly take an active role in their appointments. No one likes going to the doctor alone, this includes family members with long term illnesses. By becoming active, you not only offer them a ride back and forth but can fill prescriptions and remember important items to bring along. You could also know relevant information that the patient may have forgotten. At the end of the visit you can help schedule their next appointment so they will not miss it.
Most of the people that have long term illnesses will typically require some form of treatment with assorted medicines and pills. It is vital to become knowledgeable about these items to maintain the safety of your loved ones. Take the time to understand what they do and if there are any possible drug or food interactions.
As boring as it could sound try taking some college classes. Many colleges have specifically targeted classes to assist people who take care of any family members in their home. You should learn first aid or CPR or even how to bathe and dress people. These classes are generally quite short and yes, worth every dime they cost.
Try encouraging them to keep a journal to write about anything happening to them and how they are feeling. This may seem foolish at first but may really help to fine tune the medical treatment and help pin-point treatment areas the doctor may be missing. It does not need to be elaborate, only a simple journal which they take a few moments each day to write in.
You are there to help solve their problems not create new ones for them. Many times it will take a while to regain a loved ones trust but it is important if you plan to help them with long term chronic care. It will be tough, but do not give up.
About the Author:
When you need the finest in chronic care check out this link to Genbcorp Health Consulting Services. We provide guidance in disease prevention, disease management and wellness consulting, and more details are available at http://www.mygenbcorphealth.com today.
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