HOW TO BE WITH SOMEONE WHO IS SEVERELY ILL

 


HOW TO BE WITH SOMEONE WHO IS SEVERELY ILL

Be  fully aware of the symptoms that the person is likely to experience, so that you are prepared, as much as possible  in advance.

 Learn as much as possible about their diagnosis.

Develop  trust.

Believe the person and honour what they tell you.

Develop excellent listening and communication skills.

Thoroughly respect the person’s experience and the limitations imposed by their  illness.

Show you respect, value  and appreciate the person,  through  a warm person-centred approach.

On  a moment to moment basis creatively and gently meet the person’s  needs.

(Adapted from : Crowhurst G (2005)  Supporting people with severe myalgic encephalomyelitis. Nursing Standard. 19, 21, 38-43. )

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