How to Be an Effective Caregiver to a Person With HIV/AIDS
- 1). Create a positive atmosphere for you and the one for whom you are providing care. Speak openly and honestly with him or her, give him or her a chance to reciprocate, and open yourself up to intimate moments in which you can share affirmative feelings.
- 2). Talk to your loved one's physicians. Ask questions, no matter how small or silly you may think they are, and be aggressive about demanding answers. Your goal is to provide the best home care possible for your loved one.
- 3). Maintain your own physical well-being, for the sake of both you and your loved one. Eat a balanced diet, exercise and seek prevention education and assistance in staying HIV-negative. If you're HIV-positive, ask doctors about information on early treatment.
- 4). Join a support group. Often caregivers feel isolated in these difficult times; those in similar situations can support and learn from one another.
- 5). Look for professional organizations that offer support for AIDS caregivers. These organizations can provide training, support groups, classes and workshops.
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