How to Help Loved Ones Struggling With Their Health ~ 4 Things We Can Do Now

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How to Help Loved Ones Struggling With Their Health
4 Things We Can Do Now

If a loved one in your life is living with a disability or struggling with a chronic condition, it can often feel like you are powerless to do anything for them.
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While you might not be able to cure them or take away their wounds, the support system around us is one of the most important tools we have when coping with serious health issues.
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Below are 4 ways you can be specifically involved with their health to be the help you can be in their moment of need.
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1. Be there to support them
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This might sound like a no-brainer, but the mental support you can provide could prove crucial.
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Even if you can’t physically heal them, you can play a major role in helping them with depression or the other emotional health issues which can arise due to disability or chronic illness.
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Acknowledge their feelings. Understand that trying to lift their mood isn’t a cure. However, letting them know that you are there for them is crucial.
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At least they know that one person in their life has some understanding that they’re going through a tough time and can provide some practical help to take some of the burden and ease some of the pressure. This can make recovery much more likely for them.
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However, encouraging them to seek help is just as important as providing it yourself.
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2. Go with them through their treatment

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Many people, particularly older people, have trouble seeking treatment and following up on their own. If they seem to have trouble in that area, you can help by keeping a schedule of appointments and reminding them of them.
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If they have anxiety or their condition or medication makes communication difficult for them, consider accompanying them to those appointments as well.
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You can help them recall and communicate information they might have a problem with. Or you can ask questions they want to have answered but are afraid to ask. Just make sure they’re wholly in support of you accompanying them and stepping in when necessary.
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3. Know when help becomes a chronic need
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If their disability or condition makes it much harder for them to live independently, you can talk to them about whether they might need help.
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You can make their home more accessible or you can provide direct care. You can do this personally.
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However, if you’re unable to due to your own responsibilities or stress, is it not a failing on your end. If you can get them live in care services, you are proving just as dedicated.
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That they get care when they need it is much more important than whether you can do it yourself. If you can, however, be aware that there are state benefits which can help the financial burden.
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4. Keep them accountable
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You have to be careful in treading the fine line between caring and nagging. But you can offer to keep them accountable if they need it.
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If they have to make healthy lifestyle changes, you can keep a diary of their progress. If they’re prone to forgetting when to take their medication, you can set alarms and remind them.
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It can be a murky and, sometimes, emotionally difficult subject to navigate. However, clear communication about how you can help them and whether they are willing to accept it can make the journey ahead much easier.
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