Looking after the people you love is a natural response, and you as a human have a built-in mechanism that makes you want to care for the things you care about. This instinct kicks into overdrive when someone dear to your heart is in distress and needs you. Now, you would do everything in your power to ensure that person is as comfortable as possible, and you would even be willing to sacrifice your own comfort to make that happen. This is a beautiful trait and is exactly the reason why family and friends are so important; in the end, they are the people who get you through the worst. Looking after a disabled loved one comes with a whole set of challenges, and sometimes, it may even feel like you are in over your head. But, there are some things you should try to keep in mind while tackling this important task – that said, here are some tips on what to do when looking after a loved one with a disability.
Image by Francisco Zuasti from Pixabay
Stay Calm
There will be good days, and there are also going to be days that could’ve been better. The key, therefore, is always to try and stay calm no matter what. It may sound easier said than done, but working yourself up will only upset your loved one and yourself even further. If you’re struggling with something or start to feel like anybody could do this better than you are, take a moment and just breathe. If you feel like you could improve in some areas, consider taking up some extra training to set yourself at ease and sharpen your skills. Whether it be a medical task like replacing the catheter or a more psychological one like keeping your loved one’s spirits up, there is always room for new ideas and methods. Odds are you’re already doing a fantastic job, and your loved one most probably values you more than you could ever imagine. So stay calm, inhale and exhale, and trust that you are doing your best and that your best is enough.
Quality time
Caring for a loved one with a disability can be a full-time job, but one should never forget that it is much more than just a job. You are that person’s confidant, the one they turn to for assistance, support, maybe even some good conversation, so try to remember to lighten the mood every now and then. Sometimes, you can get so wrapped up in what needs to be done that the entire situation starts to seem more like a task that needs to be systematically completed or else. Spending some quality time with your loved one in between all the helping will not only mean the world to the other party but also make you look forward to those small bonding sessions where you can forget about everything that needs to be done and just relax and have fun.
A disability, especially if it’s something that happened unexpectedly, can turn your world upside down. You may be one of the few people that makes life feel a bit more normal to that person, which is why it is one of the most humbling and gratifying jobs you may ever have.
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