Having a backup plan for when caregivers get sick
When a primary caregiver was hospitalized, this family sprang into action
About a month ago, my father-in-law came down with what seemed like a cold. But his condition gradually worsened, which sent him to the hospital. There he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Because he takes on most of the caregiving duties for my mother-in-law, who has familial amyloid polyneuropathy, his recovery put a strain on her and the rest of the family.
With my father-in-law out of commission, the rest of the family had to step up and keep my mother-in-law company while taking over the caregiving duties. As that was happening, my mother-in-law tried hard not to panic over both her husband’s well-being and her own care.
The first step in making sure she was cared for was to designate her substitute caregivers. Thankfully, most of the family has experience taking care of her. For families with a limited pool of trained caregivers, it’s important to identify who’s next in the pecking order if something should happen to a primary caregiver.
Those thrust into caregiving because the primary caregiver is out should try to help the patient remain calm during what is a difficult situation. That can be done by having the patient talk to someone, read, listen to music, pray, or meditate. For more independent patients, that might be a little easier to accomplish because they might not become too discouraged when facing adversity. Regardless, it’s important to avoid exposing the patient to additional stress that can exacerbate painful symptoms, including neuropathy.
For the substitute caregiver, it’s also helpful to stay informed about the primary caregiver’s status, particularly when that person is hospitalized or otherwise out of commission for an unknown period of time. That allows the substitute caregiver to offer assurances and better relate to the patient. In my father-in-law‘s case, my mother-in-law was concerned about her husband’s well-being. Being aware of his status helped my her process the situation, and it allowed the rest of the family to plan accordingly.
How a patient can help a substitute caregiver
A patient can help a new caregiver by letting them know their routine and what they’re is comfortable with. They can let the substitute caregiver know what time meals are usually served, when medications should be taken, and what activities they like to do, such as going outdoors.
In my family’s case, everyone was already familiar with my mother-in-law‘s preferences and routines. These include what she likes to eat, where to order takeout meals, which games to play, and when she takes her medicine. Knowing that helped us immensely, because we were all laser-focused on the well-being of both of them.
Thankfully, my father-in-law recovered and was discharged from the hospital. One takeaway for us was how cohesive the family was during our time of adversity. It also showed us how resilient my mother-in-law is, as she remained fairly calm throughout the ordeal. This was facilitated by the support she had received from the rest of the family and her confidence that my father-in-law would make a full recovery.
Note: FAP News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of FAP News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
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