Beloved, let us love one another -I John 4:7 NIV
Having just been made aware of someone in ICU due to several strokes, I wrote them my offer of experience and help. In doing so, it was evident that others would benefit from this information. Glad to share:) I remember those first weeks of learning new medical terminology and how much there was to remember. Most of all right now a patient advocate – spouse, family member, friend – is needed to be the extra set of eyes/ears. Doctors and nurses and staff will come and go, but the advocate will remain the constant, the one who know the patient best, can see the overview as people and medications and therapies and needs change, and speak up on behalf of the patient.
FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION:
-Keep your eyes on the Lord; the situation you in which you find yourself is no surprise to Him
–Slow down and keep things simple – waiting on God for the next step and accepting His peace as you do
-Keep up with your support system – family, church, friends – so they know how to help/pray. I suggest Caring Bridge (Recommended Sites at right) – the best and simplest way to share info to anyone you want without having to talk too much and field calls/questions.
-That being said, both patient and advocate need REST – both to survive this and to heal/recover. The best info I received about rest is that 70% of our brain stimulation comes through the eyes – light and sight. If we COVER our eyes, we then only use 30% of our brain energy and get the best rest. My husband Dale and I used to keep eye masks handy and put one on regularly, even for 5 minutes, for a “brain break”. Most helpful!
–Receive help. Simple to state but often not so easy to do. When someone asks how they can help you, have a list ready: sit with patient for 20-30 so advocate can walk about, go outside for fresh air and sunshine(courtyard is wonderful), etc; bring dinner/coffee; do laundry; run errands. Just say YES. There is a time to give and a time to receive. It’s God way of ministering one to another.
-Find ways to laugh – add humor, tell jokes, watch funny shows, cat videos are a favorite for many!
-Remember the ministry of touch – hold hands, light massage, comforting pats, skin-to-skin is SO helpful.
–Fresh air and sunshine for both of you when it is possible to go the the atrium or courtyard
-Best food for brain healing is fresh food. For a simple, healthy and quick meal supplement, our favorite and healthiest shake, although not fresh food, available even at Publix is ORGAIN – even comes in chocolate! Prepackaged shakes and powder to make your own and mix with other things when you want.
–Keep a notebook – don’t trust your memory. Write everything down: questions, lists, suggestions, to-do’s, medicines, doctor/staff names – -Just be present – that’s the best gift, not to be alone in this.
Thank you, Father, for care and caregivers, medical staff and their knowledge, safe and clean hospitals and for Your healing Presence (I am with you always…Matthew 28:20 NIV)
SONG LINK:
Michael W. Smith “I Will Be Here for You”
https://youtu.be/bxGmsh1VuxA
For Those Who Care 