How To Cope With A Loved One’s Behavior And Health Changes

How To Cope With A Loved One’s Behavior And Health Changes

As a caregiver, you might witness the change in a loved one’s behavior and health as time goes on. The transformation sometimes requires adjustments to how you care for them. You also have to come to terms with your own emotions as their well-being changes.

What Causes Changes In Behavior And Health?

 

Any number of things can cause changes in the person you’re caring for, such as:

  • Worsening physical or psychological health
  • A response to medicine
  • A change in mood due to a disability

Try to understand the cause of a recent change. Your insight can help you and your loved one cope with challenges.

Making Changes To The Care Plan

 

Be sure to take note of changes and share them with the doctor. Detailed descriptions can help lead to a solution in some cases.

Look for key signs of health and behavior change:

  • Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little sleep)
  • Decrease in appetite and weight loss
  • Angry outbursts or periods of weeping
  • Cognitive loss, such as not recognizing you or being lost in familiar surroundings
  • New medical symptoms, such as persistent cough or rashes
  • Talk with the doctor to make effective changes in your care plan. Take the time to make updates and speak with your caregiver team. They can note the changes in care as well. 

Changes In Behavior May Require New Treatment

 

Different Medicines

Doctors might prescribe new medicines to level behavior or reduce pain. Make daily observations to see if the medicine is working. Check for side effects and monitor your loved one when they first take the medicine.

 

Restricted Diet Plan

Doctors might sometimes restrict your loved one’s diet. Look for food substitutes that may still be favorable to them without interfering with dietary changes.

 

Changing Patterns Of Care

Sometimes you have to develop new methods for managing changing behavior. Find ways to calm down loved ones during outbursts or provide consolation during periods of sadness.

Health changes can also mean more frequent attendance to toileting or managing bouts of pain.

Dealing With Decline And Loss

 

If the person you’re caring for suffers from a terminal illness, you may see changes in behavior or health that are often related to their decline. This experience can have a personal impact. Never be afraid to reach out to others in the caregiver community for support or seek professional help for your own well-being during this time.

The goal is to provide your loved one the best care possible. It’s your high level of compassion that sets you apart for this unique role.