At some point or other, we have stepped into taking care of our family and friends by playing the role as a Caregiver. The caregivers play a very significant and important role which can, sometimes be challenging and even exhausting. However, the benefits are immense to the patient as you act as a bridge with the health care provider.
1. Care coordination in arranging medical appointments, tests, and procedures, managing the patient’s healthcare schedule, ensuring prescriptions and follow-up appointments.
2. Acting as an advocate by ensuring effective communication between the patient and health care provider. They help the patient understand medical information, ask questions and make informed decisions.
3. Regular monitoring and observation of the patient’s condition, noting any changes or side effects of treatment, and communicating these to ensure timely intervention and adjustments.
4. Providing personal care like bathing, grooming, dressing, and diet administration. They also assist with mobility medication management, handling of medical devices, help prevent falls and avoid infection.
5. Giving emotional comfort by listening with empathy. Their companionship helps reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation that arise during treatment.
6. As a Caregiver take care of yourself Caring for someone can be extremely demanding, stressful, and time-consuming. Ensure you take care of yourself by eating on schedule, exercising, sleeping, and resting. Recharge your energy by doing alternative activities and accommodate your own schedule whenever possible.
Back