Although we’d always like to hope that all the members of our family would stay safe and healthy, the reality of life is that sometimes people get sick or injured and need some help. And while you may love your family and feel a desire to help them out however they need, actually having to be a caretaker for someone can be very challenging, especially when the time commitment is unknown. So to help you care for both yourself and your family member in the best ways possible, here are three tips for caring for an injured family member.
Balance Their Needs With Your Restrictions
If you’re going to have to change a lot of your life around in order to take care of this injured family member, you may be wondering how you’re going to find a balance for it all. With the responsibilities and commitments that you already have, finding the time and ability to become a caregiver can seem like more than you can manage. Because of this, Kathleen Kelly, a contributor to PBS.org, recommends that you first figure out what your loved ones’ needs will be and then find the best way for you to meet them. While you might not be able to give them all they need on your own, at least knowing what all their needs are will help ensure that you’re able to help them meet those needs in the best way possible.
Strive For A Real Connection
As you spend time taking care of your loved one, you might soon find that you or the both of you are getting frustrated with the progress or with the routines that you’ve found yourselves falling into. When this happens, it can be hard for you to remember your loved one as the person they once were and vice versa. To combat this, HelpGuide.org suggests that you find a way to create a real connection with your family member on a daily basis. When you’re able to do this, both you and your loved one will receive mental and emotional boost to your mood and general outlook on your situation, which can help you move past and rough times you might be experiencing.
Don’t Allow For Isolation
One of the hardest things a caretaker and their injured family member can face is the feelings of isolation after being stuck in the house for an extended period of time. And while getting out and about can be hard when you’re working with an injury, Sally Abrahms, a contributor to APlaceForMom.com, shares that it’s crucial to not allow yourselves to get too isolated. Try to have daily or even weekly outings or other things to look forward to. Seek out groups or organizations online that can help you socialize and find connections with those in similar situations. This type of communication can be a real support in times like these.
If you’re caring for an injured family member, consider using the tips mentioned above to help make this period of time easier on you and your loved one.