Take Care of Yourself For Those You Care For

May 3, 2008

If you have ever been on a plane then you know that should a drop in pressure require the oxygen masks to drop down, the flight attendant directs you to put yours on first before you put it on your child. What is the reason for that particular strategy? Why wouldn't you want to take care of your loved one first? The reason could very well be that if you don't take care of yourself first, you may not be able to take care of your loved ones. The same goes for when you are taking care of someone who cannot take care of themselves for one reason or another. If you were to ask any of the Chicago south west suburbs physicians their thoughts on this they would probably tell you if you run yourself into the ground you may be unable to help those you are hoping to care for.

It does not matter what the loved one may be going through, often you feel that it is up to you to do it all. That is probably a daunting and much easier said than done statement. If your loved one is suffering from a chronic disease and will not recover, you can find a rhythm that may work. It may be possible to find some home healthcare in Illinois to help you with those activities you need to unload. If your loved one needs round the clock care, it is impossible for you to be up all the time. Even though you may want to be, if you wear out then who will be there when your loved one needs help? Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, chronic arthritis, heart conditions, hepatitis, and Lou Gehrig's disease are just a few that may require caring for a loved one. With everyone's busy schedule these days it is nearly impossible to do so and hold down a job and raise a family and so much more.

If your loved one has a disease that will only be a short term care situation you still need to assess the situation if they need twenty-four hour care. If it is one day then one person may be able to do it. But if it is still weeks, you can wear yourself pretty thin in that short period of time. You may be able to consider Chicagoland assisted living if need be for a short time or if absolutely needed, for a long time. These choices are not easy ones especially if the loved one is not capable to help you make it. You may feel like you've failed in some way but that is only one way to look at the situation. If they are being cared for by wonderful caregivers they may be better off than not being able to get the care they really need.

“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” Clarence Thomas


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