How to Care for a Paralyzed Person

If you are the caregiver for a person who has been paralyzed, you have a lot of responsibility that can seem overwhelming at times. Whether the person is partially paralyzed or completely paralyzed, there are ways to make care easier for everyone concerned.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that the care for a paralyzed person will vary depending on the nature of the paralysis and the cause. But whether the paralysis is from accident or illness, you can educate yourself on ways to make life easier. Learn all you can about the needs of your patient. Talk to your patient's doctors and therapists. Ask questions and read books. At the same time, don't allow the circumstances to take over your whole life. The person you are caring for also needs to have distractions from the circumstances surrounding paralysis.

• 2

  Keep the person's mind active. Talk to the person about what's going on in the lives of family members and friends. Listen to the news together and talk about world events. It's important that the paralyzed person maintains interest in the world around her. She needs to express her thoughts in every way possible. Laugh and encourage visitors to laugh and have fun. The paralyzed person needs something to think about besides her own condition. Watch educational programs together that encourage learning.

• 3

  Write a daily log of necessary medications, exercises and home-care specialist's visits. As you perform duties such as catheterizations, suppositories for bowel movements or other personal care, be matter of fact and relaxed. Care for a paralyzed person's emotional well-being by putting him at ease during these personal moments. Let him know that you are not bothered by these duties, but consider it a privilege to help.

• 4

  Remember to keep the paralyzed person moving throughout the day. Change her position at least every 2 hours in order to increase blood circulation. Exercise her limbs carefully according to therapists' instructions. Physical touch and relaxed conversation promote emotional health.

• 5

  Consider a massage when the budget allows. Many massage therapists make house calls. And not just for the patient. Care for a paralyzed person by also caring for yourself. It's important for you to have ways to relax and regroup. Massage therapy can be beneficial for both you and your patient.