Information

Caring at Home

At Jamaica AIDS Support we recognise and support the benefits of caring for someone at home as opposed to shelter/hospice care. However we are cognisant of the difficulties associated with this. Few people are prepared by life's experiences to deal with the challenge of responding to the needs of someone who is seriously ill, and with the stigma still attached to HIV/AIDS, there are or can be additional challenges. When confronted with the reality that someone we care about has HIV/AIDS, it is important to know what to expect, how to help, how to cope with our own feelings, and how to make the best use of all the available resources.

Talking to the person who is ill to find out their feelings, needs and concerns, is a very important step in providing help. The medical professionals can also provide information to help guide you as a care giver…BUT you have to ask questions and get the facts. Finally, you need to take care of yourself. Understand your own feelings and reactions to the role that you have of caregiver, and know the limits of your ability top provide help.

Caregiver Tips

Feelings

Serious illness can bring out many strong feelings in both the sick person and the caregiver. These feelings may include fear, anger, hopelessness, guilt, helplessness, boredom and even shock or numbness. Denying or ignoring your true feelings, no matter how negative, is not healthy. It is far better to identify your true feelings and try to talk to someone about them, even if it seems that there is no solution. Encourage the sick person to talk about how they feel, but don't feel that you have to find the solutions.

It is also important for the Caregiver to talk about their feelings that the added responsibility is causing. This helps to prevent burn-out.

Spiritual Well-being

Jamaicans are usually very spiritual and religious even if they don't go to church. Being terminally ill can raise awareness of the spiritual needs of all concerned. Providing this type of support is important but should never be forced on the individual. There are pastoral counsellors and church based volunteers who can help, but do ask first if this is what is wanted.