Whether it’s a family member or friend, seeing our loved ones deal with pain and suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis can be hard to bear. Being there to provide support and assistance as and when your loved one needs it can make all the difference, so here are a few things you can do to help those living with chronic pain’s life a little easier.
Research their Condition
You can get a better understanding of what your loved one is going through by researching their chronic condition. Whether they have arthritis shoulder pain down arm or any other part of the body, cystic fibrosis, or fibromyalgia, learning more about their common symptoms can help you know how to act and help your loved one. In many instances, family members can get frustrated with their loved one as they don’t understand their illness, so knowing their struggles and doing what you can to support and aid them can be a big help.
Communicate Regularly
If your loved one has a chronic illness, there may be times where they feel alone and isolated. If you live nearby, make sure that you regularly pop in to see how they’re doing. For some living with a chronic illness, the pain they experience may leave them homebound, so regularly communicating with your loved one is vital. Thanks to technology, there are all sorts of ways you can use to keep in touch if you’re not able to visit in person, such as by using Skype. A quick phone call to check in on how your loved is can make all the difference.
Encourage Lifestyle Changes
There are various lifestyle changes that your loved one can make, which may alleviate symptoms associated with their chronic illness. Following a balanced diet, regular exercise, and thinking positively are all key factors that can boost their quality of life. Getting a good night’s sleep is also critical, so if your loved one suffers from back pain, they need to use the best mattress for lower back pain. Rather than ordering them to make changes, it’s best to encourage different strategies that can keep their symptoms at bay.
Respect Their Boundaries
While you will naturally want to do what you can to help your loved one if they’re in pain, there may be times where they don’t accept or want your help. Instead of taking it personally, you need to respect their boundaries and give them the independence they need. Regardless of the chronic illness they have, your loved one has their own self of self and mind, so just because they are in pain doesn’t mean they’re incompetent, so just letting them know you’re always there can be helpful.
Invite Them Out Socially
If your loved one is living with chronic pain, they may be reluctant to go out of the house. Simple tasks that we all take for granted, like going to the grocery store and running errands, may be a major challenge for your loved one, so try and invite them out as much as you can. Getting outside and away from home can boost their mindset and may improve their symptoms. Whether it’s for a short walk around the neighborhood, or going for a coffee, encouraging them to be more social is key.
Living with chronic pain can be debilitating for many, so if you have a loved one who has a chronic illness, following the guidance listed above and doing what you can to support and assist your nearest and dearest can transform their lives for the better, knowing that you’re there with them every step of the way.