Your Health

Movie enthusiasts might remember the riveting role of the silent Indian "Chief Bromden" played by the late actor, Will Sampson, a 6-foot-7-inch, full-blooded Creek Indian. The chief was a fellow patient and friend of Jack Nicholson's character, Randle McMurphy in the classic movie, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Sampson received critical acclaim for his dramatic performance.

The 1975 film won all five major Academy Awards over four decades ago. The poignant drama chronicled the plight of young McMurphy, who was confined to a state mental institution. This was not a utopian facility where the nurses and doctors loved people or even kept the Hippocratic oath. Instead, this description of life in a psychiatric facility depicted the horrors of the treatment some patients endured before mental health reforms.

Especially noteworthy in the film was actress Louise Fletcher's Oscar-winning portrayal of the brutal and dictatorial Nurse Ratched. The American Film Institute designated this fictional character as the fifth-greatest film villain of all. Today, her criminal treatment of patients would be grounds for a huge medical malpractice suit.

Although I don't think I'm as bad as Mildred Ratched, I must confess that I possess no aptitude for medical practices. I have a queasy stomach, and am rather lacking on the virtue of patience. Therefore, caregiving was definitely not at the top of my list for life tasks.

Yet, while caregiving for my husband following his third major surgery in eight months, I received an email addressed to "Nurse Ratchet." The sender, a longtime friend had misspelled the sadistic caregiver's name, but I knew instantly who she was referring to.

Despite my lack of nursing skills, like many other spouses and adult children, the lot of temporary caregiving had fallen on my shoulders. In light of this, I promised a registered nurse who really is a modern day Florence Nightingale, that when I made it through my season of caregiving, I would compile a list of practical tips for others facing the daunting task.

First on the list, a caregiver must determine to maintain his or her sense of humor, be organized, and carefully prepare for this awesome responsibility.

If possible, find a way to make the room where your loved one will be recuperating as dark as possible during daylight hours. This does not mean that you cannot shower your "sickie" with sunshine if they desire. But when pain or discomfort has kept them up during the midnight hours, window coverings will help simulate nighttime so they can rest. To avoid unnecessary expense, you can purchase used drapes to cover windows at a thrift store or garage sale.

Second, check with your physician's office about the medical equipment the loved one will need. If a hospital bed is necessary, have it in place before your charge arrives home. Stock up on other supplies such as a walker, cane, crutches, shower seat, etc. and even prescriptions. Fill your cupboards and refrigerator with non-perishable groceries since it might be quite awhile before you will be able to leave your patient unattended. Prepare a journal to record administered medications, treatments, and even meals to avoid confusion.

Then there is entertainment to think about since the most difficult patient is a bored patient. Make sure a television with a remote can be readily viewed from the hospital bed. Plan a pre-op trip to your local library to check out interesting books and DVDs.

When consulting with medical professionals write down the questions that you want to ask and request any resources that might be available for your situation. Don't try to be superman or superwoman, but whenever possible ask for assistance from relatives or friends by communicating your specific needs. Social workers at hospitals are wonderful resources, too.

If you belong to a local church, be sure to inform them of your situation. Don't be shy about accepting any kind of help they might be able to offer. Of course, prayers and cards are always appreciated, but your church might have a program for supplying home-cooked meals or even respite care.

The caregiver has to get out and you can't allow self-imposed guilt to keep you from taking care of yourself. Exercise, eat right, sleep whenever possible, and remember that "this too shall pass." Most of all, forgive the world for moving full speed ahead and forgetting your difficult situation. The flowers, cards, calls, and visits will probably trickle off rather quickly, since life goes on.

If you are a long-term caregiver, finding a support group could provide a vital network to alleviate the stress and isolation this responsibility can create. But if you become severely depressed seek professional counseling.

After the caregiving season ends, some caregivers also experience a temporary depression unsure of their next purpose. Hopefully, this won't last long, because life has a way of continually presenting us with new tasks and adventures.

Christina Ryan Claypool is an Amy award-winning freelance journalist and speaker, as well as the author of the inspirational novel, "Secrets of the Pastor's Wife." Contact her through her website at http://www.christinaryanclaypool.com.