How to be a Caregiver for a Loved One with a Chemical Exposure Injury
When You Are Not Healthy
If you are caring for a loved one with a chemical exposure injury, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself. But what happens when you have health problems of your own? How can you take care of yourself and your loved one? In this post we’ll discuss caregiving tips, as well as tips to ensure that you get the care you need as well.
Have a Plan
- Educate yourself.
- Learn about your loved one’s specific condition, treatment options, pain relief, and prognosis. If possible, talk to their medical team to ensure you know the best way to care for your loved one.
- Have a contact list.
- Make sure you have the contact information for your loved one’s medical team. When you need help, you’ll want to know where to turn immediately.
- Know your loved one’s wishes
- . Ensure that you your loved one’s wishes in the event they become incapacitated. Does your loved one have an end of life plan or preferences about treatments and pain medication? These issues can be hard to discuss but are so necessary to ensure the best quality of life possible.
- Communicate with your loved one and family members.
- Consider what and when you should communicate as well. It’s also important to communicate with your loved one about your relationship. If possible, try to focus on talking, sharing, and spending time together.
Care for Yourself
When you fly, the airline attendants always remind us that we should put on our own oxygen masks before assisting others. You simply cannot care for others if you pass out from lack of oxygen. The same applies to caring for a loved one while you are sick. You must take care of yourself too.
- Take care of your own health
- . Make sure you stay on top of your own medical appointments, treatments, and medications. If you become incapacitated, you won’t be able to care for your loved one.
- Get help.
- Don’t try to do this on your own. Rely on family members, friends, and neighbors if they offer. Talk to your loved one’s medical team and see if in-home care or supplemental care is available. Reach out to community or spiritual groups as well. Take help where you can get it.
- Take breaks.
- Try to take breaks when you can, at least once a day. Go for a walk, read a book, take a bath, or do whatever helps refill your tank.
- Get support from other caregivers.
- Join a support group, whether in person or online. Your loved one’s medical team may be able to point you in the direction of a specific or general support group as well. Don’t discount the helpfulness of being able to talk with other caregivers who understand what you’re going through.
If you need answers about chemical exposure injuries for you or a loved one, call us at 888-910-6376 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
