American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [136]
• What are the person’s likely transportation needs? You may be able to use your own car or van, or you may need to use a specially equipped van. Transportation services are available at reasonable cost in many communities; ask a hospital social worker for recommendations, or check your phone book.
In most families, a spouse, parents, siblings, or children provide most of the routine care, with assistance from various health care professionals and under the supervision of a doctor. To provide quality care, learn as much as you can about the person’s illness or condition:
• Talk with designated contact members of the health care team about the person’s condition. Write down questions and take notes or tape record sessions with care instructors. If you feel your questions are not being addressed in these meetings, schedule a separate meeting to resolve them.
• Consult a private clinical social worker, gerontologist (aging specialist), or other appropriate care provider. These people are trained to evaluate your family’s needs and can help you find a qualified physical therapist or household helper, as well as supplies you may need such as a hospital bed. They also can help you find a nursing home in your community that meets your loved one’s needs.
• Use the services offered by local and national support groups and organizations, community out-reach programs at nearby hospitals, and help hot lines. Consult your local public library, bookstores, and the Internet for additional information and resources.
Caregiving Skills
Once the person is home, your daily routine will focus on meeting his or her needs. In some cases, the person needs the expertise and training of a registered nurse or other professional caregiver.
But with proper training and guidance, you will learn to perform the required tasks on your own. Always call on the experience of professionals whenever you need to.
Giving Medications
Learn all you can about the person’s medications, starting with the names of the drugs. If he or she is taking several medications, keep a list of their names and a written schedule of the daily doses of each so that you can check off each dose as you give it. Get the instructions about each prescribed medication from your doctor or pharmacist, and make sure you understand them. Read the package insert that comes with each medication. You may want to ask the doctor or pharmacist the following questions:
• When should the medication be taken (with meals, first thing in the morning, at bedtime, or two or more times a day)?
• How long should the medication be taken? Will refills be necessary?
• What are the possible side effects? What should be done about them?
• Does the medication interact with any other drugs that the person is taking?
• Should the person avoid certain foods?
• Does the medication have lasting effects?
• Does the medication have any warnings?
• Does the medication come in various forms? For example, if the person has problems swallowing pills, ask if the medication is available as a liquid.
Remember that all medications must be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Never stop giving medication without the doctor’s permission.
WARNING!
Allergic Reactions and Unpleasant Side Effects
Some medications can cause an allergic reaction (producing symptoms such as hives, itching, a rash, or wheezing) or side effects (such as nausea or dizziness). If the person develops any of these symptoms, call the doctor immediately to find out if you should stop giving the medication. The doctor may need to adjust the dosage or change medications.
Providing a Healthy Diet
Healthy eating is essential for maintaining the person’s health and well-being and also can promote successful recovery. If the doctor has not prescribed a special diet for the person, you can provide the foods that he or she normally eats.
Adequate fluid intake also is an important part of a healthy diet. Most people should drink at least eight glasses of fluid every