How to Help a Sick Spouse

Watching someone you love deal with an illness is never easy. You want to be there to help him, but you may not know how. It can be difficult to find the right balance of being a spouse and taking care of him. Here are a few ways to help you navigate through this challenging time. 

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Act Like a Spouse

You may be tempted to take care of your loved one’s every need and act like a nurse, but leave that part up to the at home health care Bethesda MD. Instead, treat your significant other like he is still the person he’s always been. That’s not to say that you won’t need to help out more than usual, but he needs to feel like he is still capable. If he can and wants to do something for himself, let him. 

Be a Good Listener

Your spouse may need some time to process after receiving the initial diagnosis. Don’t push him too hard to open up. He will come to you when he is ready to talk about things. That being said, you need to be there to listen when he is ready. It can be tempting to jump in and say what’s on your mind, but wait for your turn. Be a good listener and let him know you hear what he is saying and his feelings are valid. 

Take Care of Yourself

You aren’t going to be any good to him if you aren’t taking care of yourself. You’ve likely put your needs on the back burner during this time, but you still have to take care of them at some point. Eat healthy meals and keep your strength up. Get enough sleep, and do something for yourself every now and then. 

If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, consider speaking to a therapist. Remember that you are only human, and it’s ok to ask for help. Find a support system and lean on them when needed.