How to care for an ill or disabled loved one

FOR PEOPLE who suddenly find themselves having to look after a loved one who is ill or disabled, the situation can be intimidating and even overwhelming, more so if they have never received any formal care training.

The German Centre for Quality in Care has a few practical tips to help make life more comfortable for the caregivers, and the persons they are caring for.

Personal hygiene Washing is a private activity. Caregivers who are helping someone wash or put on lotion should be sensitive, and try to maintain the dignity of the person they are looking after.

The caregiver should allow as much independence as they think is safe. That means it’s better to offer guidance and support, if possible, rather than take over individual tasks completely.

The centre also recommends preventing unwanted interruptions by hanging up a ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the door while you are helping the person to wash.

Talking to the person during the process can also help to make it more comfortable and relaxed.

Oral care Many patients will need help with brushing their teeth. The centre recommends setting up a routine for oral care.

Familiar processes reduce anxiety, as does the use of familiar products. Keep using the toothpaste they have been used to.

During brushing, make sure the patients are sitting comfortably and in a safe position. Let them do as much as they can by themselves.

Caregivers should only intervene when they need to, for example, taking the lid off the toothpaste tube.

They must also wash their hands before and after oral care, as it carries a high risk of infection.

Lips can easily become dry and chapped, so it’s advisable to apply a moisturising product such as a lip balm after brushing the teeth.

Help with mealtimes Many patients – especially those with dementia – no longer have much of an appetite, or they only want to eat sweet things.

Caregivers should try to motivate them to eat, but they should not force it.

It helps to be sensitive to the patients’ preferences and, for example, to cook their favourite food at regular intervals.

A cosy atmosphere also helps encourage eating, and the food itself should be made to look and taste as appetis ing as possible.

Here, too, it’s important to maintain as much independence as possible.

Caregivers should look for suitable tools that make eating easier. For example, there are dishes with raised edges, or thermo dishes that help food stay warmer for longer.

If the patients’ movement is restricted, cutlery with reinforced or ribbed handles can help. It’s also possible to buy attachable handles. – dpa