Assisting a disabled family member or friend with medical support can become a necessity to keep that person from going into a nursing home. Sometimes the situation is temporary, while at others it can become permanent. Either way, it means a lot when a trusted friend or relative can stop by to lend a hand with at-home medical care.
One of the most basic needs of a sick person is for cleanliness. This means you may have to help bathe the person or provide warm, soapy water and a washcloth and towel so that he can wash himself, especially if he is unable to get into the shower or a bathtub. Make sure the water isn't too hot and provide enough privacy so that neither of you feel uncomfortable. If a visiting nurse is coming on a regular basis, he or she may be able to oversee this particular task. Set clean clothes within reach afterward, and assist with getting dressed if needed.
Another important concern is adequate nutrition and hydration. The person will need to have plenty of fluids, especially water and possibly juice, within reach or stocked in the refrigerator or a cupboard. If the disabled person spends time alone, make sure the containers are easy to reach and to open when no one is there to help. Hopefully the person can use the microwave to heat food when needed. Keep around some healthy snacks that the person is able to eat, such as bananas, grapes, and granola bars.
While visiting, you may be able to throw a load of laundry into the washer. Then take a few minutes to dry the clothes and fold them before putting the things where they belong. Some disabled people have a paid personal attendant that takes care of these functions, but if not, the task may fall to you as friend or relative. The same can be said for washing dishes, vacuuming or sweeping the floor, and cleaning the bathroom. Cleanliness is important to a disabled person, since many of them must prevent infections (some caused by dirt) from reaching hip or joint replacements or open wounds.
Be sure to pick up needed prescriptions or equipment. Check to be sure the person knows how and when to take medications. Report any unusual symptoms or changes in condition to the doctor. You may become the patient's advocate and the doctor's eyes. Your patient may need help in getting to a doctor's visit, so you might have to transport him or her in a wheelchair or arrange for specialized transportation service for the disabled.
It may help to make a schedule to follow so that both the patient and you will know what you expect to do and how often you will be coming. This can be coordinated with hospice, visiting nurse services, or paid attendants who stop by to help. Caring for a disabled person is not easy, but it can make a huge difference in the quality of life that person may experience. Looking out for his or her medical needs is a terrific way to save time and money as well as reduce anxiety when someone is disabled and living more or less on their own.
