LadiesBladewing
Posts: 944
Joined: 8/31/2005 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gardenbluebird From the flip side - I have been dealing with my husband's chronic illness for 10 of our 11 years of marriage. gardenbluebird, If you contact the local chapter of the society that is related to your husband's illness, many of those societies have "care team" lists -- individuals who are volunteers who offer their services to come in for a few hours a week to give the primary care-giver a break from the constant work of caring for a chronically ill life-partner. Often, these volunteers are trained in specific tools to help improve the patient's quality-of-life as well, including things like therapeutic massage, accupressure, etc., and these teams will also often help with things like some of the chores around the house, so that you can get out and do something recreational for a few hours a week, and know that your mate is still being cared for. If your local chapter doesn't have the resources, another option is to speak with the social work provider at the hospital or through your mate's key medical practitioner -- the social worker is there for this reason -- helping the family to stay healthy despite a loved one's prolonged illness. Many people are too proud or ashamed to ask for help. They feel obligated to try to do it all themselves, or feel like they "should" take care of this on their own -- and they often burn out on the constant demands. These resources are in place for a reason -- the need is evident. You'll be able to help your mate more if you use the resources available, and perhaps you will be able to share a more relaxed, healthier, and more peaceful relationship with your mate, despite the heavy challenges of coping with raising a family and his illness, once you have the help you need to ease some of the burden. Hope this helps, ZWD
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"Should have", "could have", "would have" and "can't" may be the most dangerous phrases in the English language. Bladewing Enclave
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