Peripheral neuropathy is a neurological disorder with the most common symptoms being tingling, prickling, burning and pain. Additionally, patients suffer from lack of sensation in the hands or feet. Caregivers for those with peripheral neuropathy play a crucial role. They ensure that the condition is handled with care and dignity.
To support caregivers of those with peripheral neuropathy, here are some tips:
- Support their mental health and offer ways of self-care
- Offer to get groceries or run errands for them
- Bring pre-made food
- Spend time with them
Caregivers play such an essential role for those with peripheral neuropathy. It is important to support them. Caregiving takes a lot of time and effort, especially in the later stages of neuropathy. These tips can help you support your caregiver friends or family.
Support their mental health and offer ways of self-care
Mental health is vital for caregivers for those with peripheral neuropathy. Caregivers will have to go through a grieving process as they watch their loved one live with this condition, which can take a toll on the caregiver.
Additional ways to support caregiver mental health and foster self-care include:
- Offer to take over for them when needed
- Have an open discussion about how they feel
- Offering a listening ear when they need to talk
- Offering up activities for caregivers, such as watching a movie or taking a walk together
Caregivers must make time for themselves. If they feel they are getting burned out, too stressed, or not sleeping well, talk to them about hiring a visiting nurse. Constant communication is vital in any relationship, especially when it comes to caregiving.
Offer to get groceries or run errands for them
Caregivers may not have enough time to run errands as caregiving can take up a lot of their time and energy. As a helper, you can offer to get groceries for them or run errands so they don’t have to handle everything.
When you are caring for someone who has peripheral neuropathy, it can be challenging to have time to get out of the house—especially without feeling overwhelmed by the stimuli in public places.
Offering to pick up groceries or run errands can ease some of that stress by allowing your loved ones to relax in their own home instead of being exposed to potentially loud, unsettling environments in public areas.
Bring pre-made food
Caregivers may be really busy caring for their loved ones and making meals from scratch every day might not be feasible for them, so offering pre-made food is very helpful.
Pre-made food like frozen dinners, casseroles, or soups is an excellent option because they are nutritious and delicious. Taking meal planning and preparing off of a caregiver’s plate could be exactly what they need.
Spend time with them
Visiting with a loved one who is a caregiver is important for everyone involved. Having visitors can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also helps caregivers feel less overwhelmed when they have a chance to take a break from caregiving by visiting with friends or family who come over to visit. Caregivers for those with peripheral neuropathy may benefit from assistance, so offering to help with day-to-day tasks would be beneficial.
If you aren’t capable of assistance, simply visiting caregivers and their loved ones is also a great way to support them. This allows the caregivers to get out of the house and spend time with someone who can understand what they are going through.
Caregivers for those with peripheral neuropathy may be dealing with depression due to constant exposure to their loved one’s conditions, so talking about it could help them open up about how they feel and offer mutual support.
Affirming your support in your actions is another small gesture you can make toward supporting your caregiver. By affirming your role as both a friend and support system, you communicate sincerity while committing yourself to the relationship.
WinSanTor is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of treatments for peripheral neuropathies. We believe in creating a solution that works and brings relief to millions that are struggling with this disease. Learn more about our company, our drug and subscribe to our newsletter.
Sources
- “100+ Ways to Support Caregivers”. Alzheimer’s Association
- “Caregiving Is Crucial: How To Support Caregivers And Why It Matters So Much”. Forbes
- “Get Support If You’re a Caregiver – MyHealthfinder”. US Department of Health and Human Services
