Simple Methods for Helping a Loved One With a Chronic Illness

So, someone you care deeply about has a chronic health condition. Like many other people, you want to be as encouraging and supportive as possible but don't know what that truly means.

 Where do you start? How do you support your loved one without overbearing them? How do you know when they need your help and aren't telling you?

 Don't allow your uncertainty to keep you from helping your loved one, and don't expect yourself to be perfect. Below, dearfelicia shares some practical tips for how you can help someone with a chronic illness lead a higher quality of life.

 Assess Their Living Situation   

 A great place to start is evaluating your loved one's home. Is it making life harder for them? If so, it's time to help your loved one think of some home upgrades and improvements that could help. Many home modifications and wellness hacks can create a healthy atmosphere that meets your loved one's needs.

 If your loved one has dementia, Alzheimer's, or another progressive disease, or if their chronic illness will eventually compromise their ability to live independently, they may need to move into a different type of home. Research communities in your area that will provide what your loved one needs, whether it is memory care, extensive medical care, or assisted living. A few minutes of online research will reveal different facilities and communities that can fit within your price range.

 Be Adaptable

 Those who live with a chronic health condition cannot always predict the challenges they will face day-to-day. Try to be as flexible as possible, whether that means being OK if a family function is canceled or postponed, driving over to your loved one's home to help them with a household task, or driving them to an urgent medical appointment.

 Help With Daily Tasks

 Many people who live with a chronic illness have difficulties with everyday tasks. There are many practical ways that you can help your loved one lead a high quality of life, such as:

 ●     Attending doctor appointments with them.

●     Cooking them nutritious meals.

●     Doing the laundry and dishes.

●     Taking walks with them.

●     Reminding them when to take medication.

●     Helping them with physical therapy.

 Listen to Them    

 While it is essential to learn as much as you can about your loved one's condition and offer advice when warranted, the best way to support your loved ones is by listening to them when they need to vent. When someone deals with pain or other symptoms of a chronic illness, it can help to simply have someone to talk to. Make time to allow your loved ones to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.

 Opt for Supporting Over Enforcing

 There is a difference between supporting someone and enforcing ideas on them. While you want to promote healthy habits in your loved one's life, they ultimately will decide how they want to live and cope with their condition. Be conscious of how much enforcing you are doing, and figure out how to support your loved one using emotional intelligence.

 Check-In Regularly

 Many people who live with a chronic disease have developed the habit of losing touch with important people in their life. Sometimes, this is because they don't feel like they can relate anymore, and other times, their pain and challenges have driven them to isolate themselves.

 Don't be afraid to reach out to your loved one regularly, even if you don't know what to say or have any consolation to offer. Give them a call, send them a text, or drop by their home to see how they are doing and be present.

 It can be challenging to know how best to help a loved one with a chronic condition. The most important thing to remember is that there is no perfect method to show your support. That said, the tips above can help you become a rock for your loved one, and continuing to learn each day will help you guide them toward a higher quality of life.

If you found this article helpful, you can read much more content on dearfelicia.org today!

This post was submitted by Emma Grace Brown of emmagracebrown.com

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