The Hard Thing About Being Cared For

It is not easy being seriously ill. There are a lot of things to come to terms with. Some people describe feelings of losing control over situations and decisions.

It is not easy to come to terms with how life is changing. Adjustments have to be made. This may include having to rely on other people for many things that were previously able to be done independently.

Some people worry that they are making a lot of work for their carer. They have concerns about the costs of being cared for. All of this can cause anxiety. There are information and resources that can help.

When someone is dying, the thought of losing mobility and of being bed-bound can cause concern. Some people prefer to have family members perform their personal care, while some would prefer others to do it.

Talking with health professionals about options to retain as much independence and for as long as possible will help.

Resources

Joanne Lynn's book Handbook for Mortals has sections on enduring and changing and being prepared for end-of-life decisions that may be helpful. This book is available on the web and can be read easily in sections.

This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011