One
of the greatest trials sufferers and carers face outside of the
immediacy of their daily lives, is how to deal with the wider issues
of family acceptance, compassion & communication. As a carer
you will be torn between what to say, what not to say and when to
say it. Eventually you will realise that family support is essential
to your own wellbeing
Your ability to support
and care for your loved one can seem like a mountain to climb at
times. The support you give the sufferer is 24 hours a day, 7 days
of every week. You should never under-estimate the depth of this
commitment and the toll it takes on you personally. All your plans,
dreams, personal thoughts and emotions have been deeply affected
by this cruel hand Fate has dealt you. We know
You must learn to make
some time for yourself & to be slightly selfish. If you do not
you may be left floundering in the wake of the diseases onslaught.
In being strong for yourself you will also be strong for your loved
one
Family Therapy is an
essential part of our program & information is avialable at
Al's Way and later via professional support confidentialy tailored
to your personal situation
Arranging to have a
different family member phone at least once a week, or by taking
turns to provide a day out or activity is helpful, but may be dependant
on the family realising the extent of the problem & level of
support required - not always easy
Sometimes the best way
forward is to organise an Official meeting involving all Family
Members, Doctors / Consultants, Occupational Therapists, Community
Health Workers & other appropriate parties. This is your life
and your chance to influence the level of support you need, and
also to tell everyone just how difficult this is even with professional
support
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