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Good caregivers are heroes. They
hold tremendous powers in terms of how well the patient does emotionally
and physically. In his
book, “Attacking Myasthenia Gravis – A Key in the
Battle Against Autoimmune Diseases,” Dr. Henderson tells
how he has seen cases in which there was no doubt the primary
caregiver made a difference in helping the patient live a better
quality of life and perhaps also a longer life. He sites several
areas of importance regarding caregiving.
1. The importance of a positive attitude. The caregiver’s
attitude is directly transferrable to the patient. If you have
a positive, can-do person as a caregiver, they have a major influence
with the patient and this can lift the patient’s spirits
significantly.
2. Shouldering heavy loads. Responsibilities placed on caregivers
can be too huge and unrelenting to imagine. It requires a giving,
a devotion and an unselfishness that is often unrecognized by outsiders.
3. Learning about the patient’s health problems. In order
to interact and be supportive with the patient, the caregiver needs
to understand the patient’s health problems. This understanding
increases the ability of the caregiver to minister to the patient.
The caregiver must be informed about medicines and their interactions.
Caregivers must also know how the disease impacts the patient,
emotionally and physically. Each chronic disease has its own set
of individual challenges.
4. Researching and accepting help. Caregivers can help the patient
by seeking out and accepting help from others. Caregivers should
not wear themselves out and become exhausted. They need rest periods
and time away from the patient and all the responsibilities they
shoulder. They can line up phone numbers and contact names, find
out about home-healthcare, housekeeping assistance, health equipment
rental, sitters and therapy centers. They can find out what family
members can help and what they are willing to do.
5. Support groups. For some patients and caregivers, support groups
can be a source of comfort and mutual support to interact with
others who are in similar circumstances. Some support groups provide
a wide range of services and interactions. It is wise to look at
groups to see what they offer. |
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"A Key
in the Battle Against Autoimmune Diseases"
Dr. Ronald E. Henderson, M.D .
Buy This Book Online! Click Here! |
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