5 Tips To Caring For An Ill Spouse

You’ve loved your spouse for a long time. You’ve been married for years and seen your share of ups and downs, but an illness can be an especially hard time in a marriage, especially for those couples who are both seniors. In addition to the fact that they themselves are aging and possibly have health issues of their own, now they are caring for their spouse as well. Being a senior and caring for a spouse who may be terminally ill is a heavy load to bear. Here are tips to help you get through this difficult time.

#1 – Be Sure To Ask For Help When You Need It
Many times we try to care for our loved ones ourselves without the help of others. This is admirable, but not sensible. One person, especially a senior, does not have the stamina or the mental capacity to care for their partner 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without help. If you don’t ask for help, you will find yourself overwhelmed, stressed out, exhausted and frustrated. No one wants to feel that way toward someone they love, especially when they are sick.
Consider asking others to stay with your spouse for a few hours to allow you some time for yourself. It is critical at this time that you also care for yourself and getting out of the house is important. You need a little time to decompress and deal with your feelings and needs too.
Having someone else help out is also good for your spouse; they need to see other people besides just you. You can also ask others to help with housecleaning, laundry, and cooking. Many times friends are more than willing to send over a few dishes you can freeze.

#2 – Find A Medical Supply Store You Trust
Being able to get all the medical supplies you need at one medical supply store can be very helpful. Not only does it lighten the load of trying to track down everything you need, but it also shortens your shopping time if you can have the supplies delivered to your home.
Depending on your spouse’s illness, you may need things such as a hospital bed, bedpan, wound dressings, and much more. Consulting with a medical supply store will help you narrow down the items you need to keep your loved one comfortable.

#3 – Consider Hiring A Home Health Care Worker
Many people are in the field of caring for others in the comforts of their own home. Hiring a home health care worker could relieve some of the stress and pressure of caring for your spouse alone. Home health care workers could be people who come to help with any household chores such as cooking or laundry. You can also hire care workers who have medical training so they can help with things like changing dressings, giving out medication, and taking your spouse to and from doctor appointments.
These workers are also a huge help for spouses who are not physically able to help their partner shower, get out of bed, or move from room to room. It is helpful to have someone there who is able-bodied and has the ability to lift and move your spouse when you can’t.

#4 – Join A Support Group
Caring for a sick spouse is a lot to handle, both mentally and physically. Joining a support group of people who are going through the same things can be helpful. Not only will you be able to share information with each other, but you can also offer each other support. You need others who you can lean on for emotional support.
If you can not find a support group on your own, ask your spouse’s doctor. They will probably have information on finding a support group for your specific reason.

#5 – Find Ways To Enjoy Each Other Through It All
During this difficult time, it can be hard to remember to enjoy your time together. So many hours per day are likely dedicated to the needs of your spouse that you forget about the needs of your relationship. Try to have a date night, even if it’s just the two of you having dinner at home and watching a movie after. Remember to hug and kiss your spouse daily. You love each other and need to feel loved by your spouse.