How can you help your spouse when they are sick? Here are ten suggestions.
1. Look After Their Personal Needs
Bring them their tablets and water or medication when needed. Drive them to doctor’s appointment etc. Help them shower and freshen up. Even if they think they can do it on their own, stay close by in case they get dizzy or need help.
2. Spend time with them
That means not just doing the necessary jobs requited when someone is sick but spend time talking with them and just sitting with them. If they feel up to t play a game, of cards or a board game, though often they may not. It will depend on how sick they are and how good concentration is.
3. Make Allowances
Be aware people can change when they are ill. When people are unwell they can become irritable, snappy, and moody or want to withdraw from the world. Be aware your spouse is finding the enforced rest hard and make allowances for their behavior.
4. Keep your spouse’s spirits up.
The person confined to bed might think it sounds good to be able to have an excuse to lie around and watch TV, or read. In Mick’s case the novelty wore off in about a day. New books from the library might help. Cook their favorite meal or watch a funny movie together.
5. Make them feel appreciated and most important
Don’t let them feel it is a chore looking after them or spending time with them but make them feel appreciated. Let them know how much you appreciate their company as well as the things they normally do.
6. Pray for them
If you are a believer, pray for their healing and let them know that you are praying as are others. It certainly can help to know that others are praying.
7. Surprise them
Surprise them with a special treat. It might be a cake they like or a crossword book or flowers or a novel by a favorite author, a magazine or a CD or a DVD.
8. Be flexible
When you spouse is sick is may mean timetables have to be rearranged and that you may not be able to participate in activities you might normally due to the sickness or doctor’s appointments or various other reasons. We have been eating dinner at different hours to normal a lot over the past ten days as we’ve had the nurse coming twice a day.
If you have to cancel some activities don’t make your spouse feel guilty. Let them know they are more important than any of these other things.
9. Take over jobs they do around the house without complaint.
During their sickness you will need to take over certain jobs they normally do. Do them without fuss or complaint. Let them know you appreciate the way you do these jobs normally. realize how
10. Be sensible about looking after your own health.
It’s no good you coming down sick because you are getting over tired or worrying too much about them. Sometimes you need to you may need to go out for a walk, get out in the fresh air or spend an hour or so in bed catching up on sleep. Make sure you cook regular healthy meals for you and your spouse.
Related blogs
Marriage Means Dealing with the Unexpected
Who Comes First in Your Marriage?