The Illness Of A Spouse

There are many challenges to cope with when a spouse has an illness, particularly a lingering illness and/or one that cannot be cured. The recuperating, if that is possible, can be simple or it can be lasting and health-consuming on the part of the caregiver.

The caregiver spouse has many extra duties besides caring for the ill spouse. This could involve finances, trying to keep up with the job, either by reduced hours or a temporary leave of absence, or quitting, if that is financially possible.

Many times there are friends who can help by relieving the caregiver for short periods of time. Hospice, if the patient is dying, can also be of help by sending out nurse helpers to assist with bathing and personal care as well as nurses to check vital signs. There are also volunteer hospice caregivers. The patient may not accept the illness. That then becomes a major concern and it may be that a counselor will need to be secured to help the ill spouse to deal with the illness, particularly if it is terminal.

It is important to keep the line of communication open. There may be feelings of anxiety, anger and resentment with which to deal on the part of the caregiver and the ill spouse. The caregiver will need to fight fatigue so that the caregiver keeps enough stamina to assist the ill person. If there are children, they will need to be kept in the loop as often as possible. Friends and family are of tremendous help. The positive attitude will also be a wonderful asset. Physical contact is a healing aspect for the caregiver and the ill spouse.