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How can I be supportive after my loved one comes home? - Believe in your loved one’s ability to recover. Your belief in your loved one can make a big difference. Show your support by being kind, available and dependable. Many people say their families’ faith in them kept them going through difficult times.
- Help your loved one prioritize bills, housework and other tasks so he or she doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
- >Ask what your loved one needs – don’t assume. Ask if you can help with daily tasks, give medication reminders or come along to health care appointments.
- Respect your loved one’s boundaries. Be available when he or she is ready to accept your help.
- Be patient. Don’t rush, pressure, hover or nag. It may take some time for your loved one to feel better. A person may have temporary side effects such as dizziness, upset stomach, headache or trouble sleeping when starting a new medication.
- If your loved one is in school, help with make-up work and special accommodations.
- If you live far away, show your support with phone calls, cards and letters. Talk with the person’s health care providers and other loved ones who live nearby about how you can help.
- Get support for yourself. It helps to talk to people who know how it feels to be in your situation. Call DBSA at (800) 826-3632 or visit www.DBSAlliance.org/findsupport.html to find a support group near you. If there is no group nearby, DBSA can help you start one.
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