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Article Series: Arthritis
Help Me Understand Arthritis & Arthritis Pain
How
Do I Care For Someone With Arthritis?
Without a doubt, the individual that has received
a diagnosis of arthritis is going to have their life change
dramatically. They will be faced with a great many challenges
and they deserve as much support and care as possible. But
they will not be the only one faced with challenges and change.
A new responsibility will fall upon those that may find themselves
the primary caregivers.
The role of a caregiver can vary from case to case. Some individuals
with arthritis may be able to cope fairly well and with only
some adjustment in their daily routine. The situation of others
may be far more difficult.
Initially
it is important to gain as much knowledge as possible about
what type of arthritis your loved one has and become
well informed as to the type of treatment they will be receiving
and how it will affect them. If possible it would be helpful
to be with them on their visits to the doctor as this will
enable you to keep up to date on their progress and any adjustments
they need to make. Often it is a blessing to have someone there
who can help remember instructions or details that may go in
one ear and out the other for the patient who is under stress.
The next important step is to have open
and honest communication.
This isn't always easy and may require a great deal of tact
and patience. It is not easy to understand everything they
are going through but you want them to know that you are trying
to and that you intend to be there for them as much as possible.
Studies have shown that people who have this disease fare better
when they are not in stressful or negative situations.
But you're going to have them. Don't get too discouraged -
this is only normal. As you try to adjust your life and help
your companion remember that you will need to look out for
yourself as well. To not get over tired and taxed. It may mean
that you find a way to step back a little. Search out a support
group that can empathize and give you ideas on how to mitigate
the stressful times. And above all, try to maintain an honest
approach whereby both you and the one you're caring for can
move forward in a positive way.
On a practical note, the care you give may mean that you will
be the one to run the errands more often. Or you may have to
divide up the chores so that you take on the heavier ones.
But it is important to keep in mind that your loved one needs
to keep involved and active for their health as well, so it
shouldn't mean that as a caregiver that you must now do everything.
It just means a readjustment. Look for ways to make simple
functions around the house a bit easier. Perhaps installing
lifting bars in the bathroom, finding more comfortable furniture,
or buying tools that are user friendly to arthritic persons.
Another fine area of support is to be a good listener. So
much help can be given when a person can talk out their fears
and anxieties. Be as straightforward and practical as you can
be even though it is an emotional situation. This will help
to maintain a positive and forward moving attitude that is
essential to eventually achieving the best quality of life
possible.
And remember - this is a learning process for both of you
and you will have to give yourselves time to adjust.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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