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Maintaining a sense of independence even though you are sick to the point that someone has to care for you is very important.
Being a caregiver herself and having had the experience of participating in providing home hospice care for her mom, Eleanor Gaccetta knows how valuable independence is for the sick. She has a book, which those embarking on the wonderful journey of caring for a loved one will appreciate, titled One Caregivers Journey that everyone finds helpful.
The book offers insights that only a caregiver can provide, including the subject of independence for those who are sick. Today, we’ll examine how chronically or terminally ill people can remain independent.
Redefine the Meaning of Independence
Okay, so you can’t support yourself financially, manage your household, or even walk around without help. However, that does not imply that you must always rely on others. Consider it from a different angle: What can you still do for yourself?
Making breakfast, getting dressed, and doing the dishes are all mundane self-care actions worthy of praise. Keeping your independence also extends beyond purely practical realms. That implies that you can still feel independent despite your constraints.
You can conduct independent research and come to your conclusions. You could schedule doctor’s appointments and follow your prescribed course of action. Remember to set boundaries for yourself as well as to trust your instincts!
Rebuild Your Positive View of Yourself and Self-Worth
Despite your intellectual understanding that your level of dependence does not determine your value, you might nevertheless feel differently. What could you do to reestablish your self-worth when you have trouble with negative feelings and thoughts about yourself?
Here are a few tips to help make your goal of maintaining a sense of independence a bit easier:
• Discover Novel Ways to be of Help – A simple smile or lending a listening ear may not seem as selfless as working in a food pantry, yet they can make a significant difference in someone else’s day. This is one of the best ways to remain independent despite being sick and lessen the challenges of caring for a sick partner.
• Try Your Best Not to Compare Yourself to Other People – There is no benefit in comparing yourself to someone else. Also, keep in mind that you cannot know what someone is actually experiencing on the inside from the exterior.
• Practice Being Compassionate to Yourself – There will be caregivers who will take care of you as they proceed with their wonderful journey of caring for a loved one. This might make you feel weak, but instead of being judgmental of yourself, try being more compassionate. Be gentle and become aware of your needs, wants, and limitations.
Give Yourself Some Time to Grieve Your Losses
We occasionally lose sight of the fact that grieving the things we’ve lost is entirely normal and healthy in our rush to start feeling better. You possess every right to feel depressed and angry about having to rely on others to meet your fundamental necessities.
Making space for such emotions will allow you to move on without the nagging thoughts of suppressed feelings.
Stop Holding On to Unhelpful and Unhealthy Thoughts
Everyone who has experienced chronic health issues has likely, at some point, believed similar things. But do these convictions benefit you or harm you? It’s time to alter your negative self-talk when recurrent thoughts cause you to feel depressed, guilty, or ashamed.
Reframing habitual thought patterns takes time and effort, but the advantages to your mental health are essential.
Cultivate and Nurture the Support System You Have
Many patients with chronic illnesses worry about burdening their family members and caregivers. Is there any possibility for you, if that describes you, to obtain (additional) assistance from various sources?
Make a list of the assistance you require. You might be eligible for expert assistance from your health insurance or the government. Or you might use solutions like automated medication filling, meal delivery, or patient transportation.
Maintaining a Sense of Independence Even Though You Are Aick Isn’t Impossible
Even when you lack bodily independence, you are nonetheless valuable. You can still show kindness, consideration, and support in your unique way and let those willing to help have a wonderful journey of caring for a loved one. We hope this article was helpful, and if you want to read more blogs, check out the five reasons hospice care is beneficial for patients and families!
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