If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, you may be looking for ways to help support them. Compassion, empathy, and understanding will be critical, particularly if the chronic condition results in major life changes for the individual. Achieve Hypnotherapy can be a resource when it comes to exploring holistic, naturopathic solutions to managing numerous health issues.
Hypnosis can help with issues related to anxiety, sleep, pain management, addiction, and much more. Schedule a conversation with Certified Hypnotherapist, Tom Laessig.
Learn About the Illness
One of the best ways to understand what a person facing a chronic health condition is going through is to learn as much about the illness as you can. A good deal of information can be gleaned from reputable online medical sources and through the Centers for Disease Control. You might also ask your loved one if you can attend a medical appointment and ask questions about how to be most helpful. You’ll want to understand special needs, like those related to diet, exercise, medication, or therapies that will be most helpful. You can also ask about resources available to ensure your loved one is getting all of the care they need.
Handle Practical Matters
If a chronic health condition is preventing your loved one from handling basic tasks around the home, this is where you can lend a helping hand. Assist with things like cleaning, meal preparation, and rearranging living space so it's easier to navigate, especially if your loved one has problems with mobility, balance, or sight deterioration. You can also help with things like transporting them to and from medical appointments. Try being an extra set of eyes when it comes to deciphering medical directives and health insurance forms. Even things like grocery shopping, picking up kids from school, or walking the family dog can all be a great help to someone facing physical limitations.
Manage a Move
Some people with chronic health conditions find it necessary to make a physical move, whether to get into accommodations that are more conducive to their health needs or their finances. If you're helping a loved one with a chronic condition relocate, finding reputable movers is job one. Before meeting with any moving companies, evaluate service providers by reading reviews on Angi.com. You’ll want to insist on a written estimate rather than an over-the-phone quote. Reputable companies need to evaluate items in-person to give you an appropriate cost projection. Knowing a timeline for delivery can also be an asset, as can movers who offer packing and unpacking services.
Encourage Self-Care
People with chronic health conditions often feel that they're a burden on their loved ones, so proceed with compassion and empathy. Your goal should be to help your loved one live their best life while still recognizing and managing the difficult elements of their condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress relief and mental health monitoring are important. If you sense that your loved one is experiencing depression or anxiety related to their diagnosis, encourage them to discuss their feelings with their primary care provider. Support groups, talk therapy, and well-defined condition management can all help with what can be a very stressful situation.
Summary
Chronic health conditions are difficult for the person going through them, as well as for the person caring for them. Look for ways to build a reliable support team around your loved one so that no single person is burned out by full-time caregiving. Work collectively together to ensure the person you care for is getting all of their needs met.
Achieve Hypnotherapy uses the powerful state of hypnosis to help the client make changes in their mind to relieve stress, anxiety and many other issues. Visit the site for more information, or reach out directly to book your free consultation.