Prolonged pressures when caring for the elderly and long-term patients
Many families with elderly people and relatives with long-term illnesses are facing prolonged care pressure both physically and mentally. Behind the seemingly familiar daily tasks are no small amount of fatigue, pressure and feeling of overload.
Ms. Hoai Anh (Giang Vo ward, Hanoi) said that her family currently has an elderly woman nearly 100 years old, with weak health and difficulty walking, so almost all activities need regular support.
There are days when I almost have no time to rest. During the day, I go to work, and in the evening I worry about cooking, medicine, and personal hygiene for her. Many times, even when sleeping in the middle of the night, I have to wake up because she is tired or has difficulty breathing," Ms. Hoai Anh shared.
According to Ms. Hoai Anh, the biggest pressure does not only lie in costs or time but also in the feeling of prolonging continuously, making it difficult to have a break for yourself.
“Sometimes I feel irritable and tired, but then I blame myself because I think old people don't want to be like that. The family then has to renegotiate and share care time so that everyone has time to rest,” Ms. Hoai Anh said.
Similarly, Mr. Duc Minh (Thai Nguyen) said that his mother has been ill for many years, often has to have re-examined and needs close monitoring.
At first, I thought trying alone was okay, but later on I felt more pressure. There was a period when both work and taking care of patients made my spirit always tense like a guitar string," said Mr. Duc Minh.
According to Mr. Duc Minh, what helps the family overcome the difficult period is the sharing between members instead of letting one person bear all the responsibilities.
When everyone shares and takes turns taking care of them, the psychology is much lighter. The caregiver also needs to rest to be able to accompany the patient for a long time," Mr. Duc Minh shared.
Don't let one person carry everything.
According to psychologist Hoang Anh - Voice of Therapist Office, the pressure to take care of elderly or chronically ill relatives is an increasingly common problem in modern families.
Experts believe that the most important thing is not to let one person bear the full responsibility of care for too long without support.
Families should proactively share responsibilities among members, seek support from relatives, the community, appropriate care services or psychologists when pressure is prolonged," psychologist Hoang Anh said.
Also according to experts, in addition to caring for patients, the mental health of caregivers also needs to be properly cared for.
When a person falls into a state of prolonged stress and overload without support, their ability to process emotions and make decisions will be easily affected," the expert analyzed.
After the sensational incidents related to caring for loved ones in the past, what society needs to recognize is not only the debate of right and wrong, but also the pressure of caring in modern families and the need for mental health support for both patients and caregivers.
This is a story that needs to be viewed with more sharing and support, instead of just judging from one side," expert Hoang Anh emphasized.
