1. Contain the Contagion
If a family member is dealing with a contagious illness, such as a cold or the stomach flu, the healthy members of the family must take steps to prevent the illness from spreading. Practice excellent hand washing and use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. The sick family member should cough or sneeze into a tissue, or use the crook of the elbow to contain germs. Instruct young children to keep their hands away from their nose and eyes, and sanitize their toys daily with alcohol wipes.
2. Get Informed
The standard of care for illness changes each year, whether you're dealing with an ear infection in a child or chronic renal failure. It's true that knowledge is power, so arm yourself with the latest diagnostic and treatment information to help you cope with a sick family member. Use the Internet to access current, credible information on the illness or disease process your family member is managing, so you know exactly what questions to ask the doctor or what kind of home care to provide.
3. Provide Comfort Care
Whether the sick family member is an adult or a child, sick people appreciate some pampering home care from others. If hydration is a concern, children may accept liquid-based treats like flavored gelatin or Popsicles more readily than juice. Offer to prepare a cup of herbal tea or your special chicken soup recipe for an older family member. Regardless of the age of the sick individual, smoking family members should take their habit outdoors to avoid exposing the sick person to second-hand smoke that could irritate respiratory passages.
4. Doctor's Orders
Act as a patient advocate for a sick family member dealing with a serious illness. Whether the patient has cancer or complications from diabetes, it's helpful to a patient to have a caring family member accompany him to the doctor's office to take notes and ask questions the patient may be too overwhelmed to remember. After you leave the office, take charge of filling prescriptions, and organize a medicine dispenser or chart to help the patient keep track of medications.
5. Share the Duties
If you're acting as the primary caregiver for a sick person in your family with a chronic illness, consider how you can relieve the burden of care giving to prevent burnout. Full time caregivers are susceptible to depression, withdrawal from family and friends and an increased chance of becoming sick themselves. Call upon other friends or family members who can provide a few hours of relief each week, so you can tend to your needs. Contact your local social services agency to find respite caregivers in your community.
