Manjunatha Home Nursing Services

1. Manjunatha Home Nursing Services Brahmagiri, Udupi, Karnataka 576101 077603 89998 Home Nursing services in Udupi and Manipal Caring For the Patient Caretaker Persons put into the role of caretaker for gravely ill or terminal patients take on many stress-inducing tasks. Not to make light in any way of the tragic suffering of the patients themselves, we need to look also upon those who are their primary care givers with particular consideration, respect and understanding. If you are personally the person in such a role, you need to remember to take care of yourself. Do not overlook your own nutrition, forgo much needed rest or deprive yourself of moments of relaxation as you strive to tend conscientiously to the patient. Caretakers often have to take on a relentless pit-bull mentality, constantly on guard for the welfare of their charge. Medical practice is just that - PRACTICE. Caretakers more often than not need to second guess and analyze the plans and actions of doctors and nurses; not simply for the entertainment of being belligerent and difficult, but truly to be certain that the best options are being thoughtfully meted out and that the most humane and effective treatment avenues are considered. When looking after a neutropenic patient, the attending party must be hyper conscious of cleanliness of the environment and sterility of nutritional resources. Often they will be responsible for administering medications through pic lines or even giving injections (though it will be more likely that a Hickman line will be in place, allowing IV meds to be given without a needle). Obviously full time work must be put aside. An understanding and generous employer who will make concessions for, or even contribute to, the financial needs of the situation makes such a trying time that much easier. If there are small children in the home, it may be necessary for them to reside for an extended period of time with relatives (due to the need for sterility of the patient's environment). Pets often have to be removed also from the residence. Naturally, all involved with treatment must carefully weigh the negative psychological and emotional impact resulting from such drastic actions as they compare to the anticipated clinical benefits. In addition to these very tangible tasks, it also becomes the job of the caretaker to buoy the spirits of the patient and, as much as possible, give them uplifting emotional and psychological support. We must state here that, no matter how dire the prognosis may be, there is no such thing as false hope. Often hope will be the most real thing you have to hold on to when practically every aspect of life as you knew it is shredded beyond recognition. It is natural for human beings to express concern for those who are sick, yet they very often overlook how taxed and over-burdened the people are who look after them.

2. Consideration does not mean being intrusive or overbearing. Being kind doesn't mean you invite yourself into the home or hospital room and exhaust the patience of all involved. It means you respect the needs of those struggling with the burdens. If they need you to make dinner, drop it off and leave them alone, do so. If a young mother needs you to take the kids to the park while her ill husband sleeps, so she might relax in a an hour of solitude, that's what you need to do. Do not manufacture your own self-serving agenda, but seek rather to understand the very individual desires of the parties who need your help. Your definitions of care and assistance may well be far removed from theirs, but in order to be truly supportive, you have to listen and really hear what they are asking for.