Caregiver tips
As the wife and caregiver of my husband with copd, lately caring for him is often difficult. I have the need to vent or talk with someone who can give me coping skills.
Hi Honeygirl and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined earlier today (mid day). We are glad to see you are already engaging with the community through this, your first post.
It's understandable that, as both a wife and a caregiver (for your husband), the work can be quite difficult. There certainly are physical and emotional challenges that all caregivers face when providing this type of care! You are not alone!
We actually have a wealth of information published, right here on COPD.net, which speaks to many aspects of being a caregiver. I thought you might want to read some of this material, at your leisure. For your convenience, here is a link to several of the articles: https://copd.net/search?s=caregivers.
If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)It's not an easy job, especially for someone you love and are so close too. The most important thing is I feel, taking care of yourself. It seems impossible at times, but making sure you eat, sleep and just get some "alone" time is so important. Been there is done this for my In-laws (at the same time) with pre-teen children at home and then later with my father, having to fly to another state for a month at time to give my sister a break. Now tables are turning and I am the one needing some help, not much for now, needing.
Not knowing what stage of help your hubby needs at this time, here is a couple things I found that helped and still is. Communication is he front line between the person needing those giving the care. Finding out what both needs are and expectations if any. Encourage the person in need of care to try for themselves first, then be ready to step in if needed. I found myself while helping the in-laws that I was enabling them NOT to help themselves when they truly could do, it took a little time once I realized that to actually stop doing it and back to encouraging them try on their own. Now, tables turned, I caught myself excepting my hubbies help or expecting his help when I truly did not need it either. Sad to say, but it happened. He too is getting older and not able to do all he once could, so the communication changed to how could we hep each other. If you are the lone care giver, is there someone that could come and give you a break, relative, friends, clergy? Even if it is to go get your hair cut or have coffee with yet another friend?
There is agencies out there that can be helpful both for you and information to maybe get extra help around the house for you and your hubby. I just found this link the Government website in reference to this exact subject, looks to be a lot of great information and links that might be helpful.
https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver
If you have something specific to chat with any of us here, please let loose and lets hear it! It just might give you a little relief just typing out some of the frustrations or challenges you are facing.
Sending you HUGE HUGS
