Approaching Comfort Issues as a Caregiver

Caring for a patient, spouse, or parent who has needs can be stressful. As a caregiver, you are well aware of this. The patient-caregiver relationship is a symbiotic one: when they are feeling pain and discomfort, that mood spills over and affects everyone. When they are comfortable and relatively pain-free, that mood can recharge and enliven people around them.

The best way to find out "where it hurts" is simply to come out and ask that blunt question. And keep in mind that "where it hurts" is not always targeted specifically to their ailment. For example, an epileptic may not appear to have anything visibly wrong after a seizure. After all, don't seizures happen in the brain? Yet epileptics knows very well the intense pain in their legs, arms, and neck from the physical strain associated with grand mal seizures.

"Where does it hurt? How can I help?" you ask. Don't be surprised if you don't receive a clear, concise answer. Folks who are experiencing pain and discomfort often cannot verbalize how they really feel. But the more important issue is that they usually do not know how to alleviate the pain.

Caregiver, you can help by researching the answers and then presenting these to your spouse or patient.

For instance, how could they know about a wonderful source of comfort called Medibeads? It is understandable that they may never have heard of these moist heat wraps that warm gently in the microwave; are 100% hygienic; can never get too hot; are simple to use; and are environmentally friendly.

If you know some features of this product--which is the next generation beyond electric heating pads--you can describe them to your spouse, parent, or patient, and ask if they would be willing to try it.

Bedding aids are another area where most people will be surprised to hear of the many different products now available. Are they aware of triangular knee rest pillows which allow them to elevate their legs "just so"? How about crescent-shaped pillows that gently cradle the neck or knee pillows designed specifically to separate uncomfortable knees?