There is nothing worse than hearing that a loved one has a critical illness. Even when a person has been sick for some time, a terminal diagnosis can be devastating. After the initial shock passes, you will have to get ready to deal with the realities of a terminal illness. You might have to talk about death and plan for end-of-life care. These conversations are painful, but you can follow some tips to make it easier.
Remember that your loved ones will need you to support them during this difficult time. They will experience several emotions as they try to come to terms with their diagnosis. Here is how you can guide a person through a challenging time.
- Prepare Yourself First
You cannot help someone without processing your feelings first. It will be even more distressing if you break down in front of your loved ones instead of helping them. They might get even more worried about the situation. Therefore, take some time to acknowledge your feelings and cope with your emotions before meeting the patient. Learn about the diagnosis to guide them in the decision-making process.
- Thinking About the Ground Realities
It may seem difficult to suggest this, but you have to decide how to tackle the overwhelming expenses. Most decisions about patient care and treatment will depend on your financial situation. So, it is the right time to have this uncomfortable conversation. Your loved one might be eligible for compensation if they contracted the disease because of workplace negligence. But it is necessary to choose the right support partner who can minimize disruptions if you decide to pursue the case. There are different law firms available to handle these cases. For instance, a law firm, such as Sokolove Law, can make the process easier.
- Making Decisions Together
Everyone deals differently with a terminal illness. While some people want a more proactive role in the decision-making process, others might want their family to choose the best option for them. Whatever the case, it is necessary to be sensitive to the needs of your loved one. Some people might want to pursue aggressive treatments, while others might want to opt for hospital care. Try not to bulldoze the decision-making process and give your loved ones the space they need.
- Be Honest and Try to Get Back to Normal
Many caregivers and family members try to downplay the illness in a misguided attempt to keep the patient optimistic. However, doing so is unfair to the patient as it creates false hope. Your loved one might also want to talk about what’s happening to come to terms with the situation.
Most patients do not want to dwell on their disease. They want to live with the illness instead of dying with it. Therefore, instead of limiting their activities, you should encourage them to do what they enjoy. Go out on family dinners and attend gatherings. Try to enjoy as much as you can before it is too late.
- Create a Wish list
Make a wish list to help your loved ones accomplish their lifelong goals in the time they have left. They might want to visit a place or celebrate a special occasion with someone. Several charities help patients with terminal diseases fulfill their wishes. Some other foundations are there to helps make wishes come true for children suffering from critical illnesses.
- Respect Their Dignity
Remember that your loved one is not just a patient. They are also a person with a right to privacy and a sense of self-respect. Therefore, do not try to speak about them as if they are not there.
Remember that every person is different. Some people might want you to keep the story to yourself, while others might want everyone to know. Respect their decisions, and ask them how they want to inform everyone. Always ask your loved one for permission before sharing anything on social media.
- Talk About the Good Times
Not everyone is lucky enough to get some time with their loved ones before they die. Cherish the time you have left and talk about some of your favorite memories together. You can go through old family pictures or talk about shared experiences.
- Don’t Try to Do It All Alone
Caring for someone with a terminal disease can also be emotionally challenging. Remember to ask for help if you are a primary caregiver for a loved one with a critical illness. You can also divide the roles according to individual capabilities. If you are not the primary caregiver, you can help with other things. Offer to assist with grocery shopping or drive the patient to their appointments.
Conclusion
Supporting a loved one with a terminal illness can be challenging. While it is necessary to be there for the patient, it is equally important to take care of yourself. Seek physical, social, and spiritual help if you are struggling. You can also opt for hospital care to keep the patient comfortable as they want to spend their time peacefully.