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Novel Methods for Supporting a Loved One With a Chronic Health Condition

An enduring health problem can be exhausting, but the assistance of a caring companion can be of considerable benefit. Here are ways you can support a loved one with chronic health issues.

Redesigning the Home Workspace

If your loved one works from home, help them create a comfortable office that promotes focus and productivity. Find some ergonomic furniture and equipment that supports the head, neck, wrists, and back. Look for a high-back chair that allows their feet to lay flat on the floor or get a footrest. A seat and back cushion helps them remain comfortable during working hours.

You could also design a system for maintaining records. Clutter is distracting and reduces productivity. Discover storage solutions to coordinate documents with bins, bookcases, or filing cabinets. Where possible, digitize files, organize them in folders, and save items to the cloud for mobile access. Name folders in a way that is easy to find with a consistent and systematic method. 

Attending Doctor’s Visits

Your loved one may desire a companion during visits to the doctor’s office for emotional support and help understanding paperwork or the physician’s instructions. A person with anxiety or mental limitations may have a particular need for an advocate. Put appointments on your schedule, so you don’t miss the event and add more stress to the occasion. Prepare beforehand and ensure your loved one has all the necessary documents.

Remember that the doctor is a professional who wants the best for each patient. Introduce yourself and explain your reason for attending. Listen well and take notes. Speak up to clarify any confusion and review the visit with your loved one to ensure they understood all the doctor’s directions.

If you find that, during your supporting role in these visits, you have a passion for healthcare and ethical patient treatment, consider going back to school to make this kind of role your career. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing through an accredited online program so that you can take classes and still help care for your loved one. And you can be proud that with every course you will know better ways to advocate for your loved one’s health and well being.

Listening With Empathy

Lift your loved one’s spirits without a word through empathic listening practices. Put down the phone and pay attention to your body language. Do more than acknowledge the words being said. Appreciate the meaning behind the message and feel what they’re feeling. Ask sincere questions about their emotions and motivations without being nosy. 

Rephrase what your loved one said back to them to ensure you got the point. Stay alert to cues and understand what isn’t verbally expressed.

Helping Them Find More Assistance

You can’t cover every need of your loved one, but you can connect them with services and organizations for additional support. Find local workshops and community events to educate your loved one on how to live better and manage their illness. Other programs can offer assistance with needs, such as cleaning and transportation.

Giving Them a Day Off

When your loved one’s responsibilities become overwhelming, surprise them with a day off. Take care of the chores and errands to let them relax. Prepare their meals or pick something up for them. Your loved one will appreciate the break.

Making Them Feel Appreciated

Studies show that chronic illness can cause feelings of worthlessness and depression, especially when a person can’t do what they used to. Your loved one surely has lots of experience in an area you don’t, so ask for advice and apply it. Let them use their skills and talents to support you. For example, they may not be able to help with a move, but they might be able to do some unpacking and decorating. Look for other practical ways to show appreciation with a text, card, or meal.

Be the Support Your Loved One Needs

A persistent health concern doesn’t have to mean a dull and depressing existence. Help your friend or relative to enjoy life fully by supporting them with these practical suggestions.