Finding out a loved one has become seriously ill can make for an emotional, confusing and generally difficult time for many families. Illness is rarely something any of us plan for, so when it happens, we often find ourselves searching for answers and trying to cope with the wide range of emotions and issues that suddenly surface.  The professionals of BJC HealthCare affiliated hospitals work to assist you with concerns that can arise as a result of family illness. Our experts offer these suggestions on coping with illness in your family.

• Educate yourself about the injury or illness that is affecting your family member.
  Ask questions of the physicians and nurses providing treatment. This will help you to better understand the outlook and the various treatment methods that may be available. The unknown can be frightening, so work to eliminate it in any way possible. Information also is available through various support groups focused on specific illnesses or injuries, and by researching other available resources. Knowledge can help to lessen the anxiety of the situation, and allows you and your loved one to make better-informed decisions regarding care. 
  
  

• Understand your loved one is under stress.
  When faced with illness and hospitalization, your loved one may react in a variety of ways. Because they are under a great deal of stress, they may not seem like themselves. For example, they may seem sad or angry. Or, they may hesitate talking with you about their feelings for fear of upsetting you. You should try not to take any of these personality changes or coping strategies personally. The best thing you can do is respond to your loved one's concerns with understanding and acceptance. 
  
  

• Be a source of help and support for your loved one. 
  When patients are sick or injured, they sometimes do not want to burden their family members and often are reluctant to ask for help. By offering your assistance, you can help alleviate some of the day-to-day concerns that can be compounded by illness. Check on your loved one’s house, or help care for his or her pet. Check on his or her spouse and possibly offer to provide meals or just offer your company. You also can serve as an “extra set of ears” for your loved one, if he or she would like you to be present when physicians or nurses are providing information about care and treatment options. 
  
  

• Make use of the spiritual care resources available at each of our hospitals or your place of worship.
  Oftentimes you can feel abandoned and discouraged as caring for a loved one and coping with the onset of illness or injury becomes overwhelming. It is during this time that many turn to their faith and clergy to help carry them through. The faith community from your place of worship also can assist you and your loved one during this time of need. Chaplains at any BJC hospital can direct you toward spiritual care resources available through the hospital and the local faith community. 
  
  

• Use the social service resources available through each of our hospitals. 
  Social workers and case managers can offer assistance in locating resources in the community that can provide care and financial, legal, spiritual and emotional support. These social workers are your link to services and resources that can be invaluable in dealing with the myriad details that can surface when a loved one is seriously ill or injured. 
  
  These are just a few ways to help with the many emotions and concerns that can arise as a result of an illness or injury in the family. We invite you to ask your caregivers, chaplain or social worker for more information. By being available to answer your questions and offer support, we at BJC HealthCare hope to make coping with illness in your family a less stressful time for everyone involved.

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