WHAT does it take to care for a loved one who is sick? If it were a short-term illness, be it the flu, cold, chicken pox or post-surgery care, you would generally need to first of all make sure they are clean, comfortable and safe. You may even want to spoil them a bit, like giving them little presents and treats.
I remember when my youngest son severed his finger and had it surgically reattached. I had allowed him to play his electronic games and watch his favourite videos to distract him from the pain and discomfort. Anything that was his favourite was his to have, whether he asked for them or not.
As caregivers, we make time to be by our loved one’s side to make sure that all is well. If the room is cold, we’d turn down the air-conditioner or fan, or put a blanket over him (or her).
We’d make sure that there is no chance of an infection and we’d be attentive and follow everything that the doctor order as best we could. We’d also make sure that the patient has plenty of what he needs - liquids, nourishing food, and tender loving care.
However, from the word go, we have to start paying for things exceeding our usual expenses, like doctor’s fees, medicines, hospitalisation and other items necessary to facilitate healing. And that’s not counting the treats and other knick knacks. Follow-up charges for subsequent visits along with possible physiotherapy, if required, are additional costs.
If you look at the total amount at the end of it all, you would have spent a tidy sum. If you have health and/or medical insurance, the company may cover certain bills like hospitalisation and follow-up charges. That is quite a relief.
Now take a look at the situation with your loved one being unwell for an indefinite period of time. How does that affect you, the caregiver, as well as the family taking care of the patient? The patient could be your child, spouse, parents, relatives or a good friend.
What if they were physically and/or mentally disabled, or someone who needed constant care and attention, for example, people with Alzheimer’s, cancer, stroke or those on haemodialysis, those in a coma, are bedridden, and suffering from a whole host of other illnesses and complications which need care? What would be the things you’d require? It would be a very long list indeed. For the most part, you’d have the doctor’s bills - the different specialists - and the medications. If you went to a government hospital, your expenses may be less. If you went private, then you’d have to be prepared to spend your savings or draw down on your insurance coverage.
Some medicines and medical treatments like haemodialysis and therapies for cancer — from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and different options and various combinations — all cost money. How would you deal with this?
Some of us may not have the time or resources to do everything ourselves, so we may need to hire assistance — maids or private nurses, or both. On the home front, there may be changes that need to be made. Previously he may have had his room on the upper floor but now he has to be moved downstairs. Alternatively, you may consider putting some sort of lift or elevator in the house, depending on the need or disability.
Bathrooms may need to be fitted with strong bars and handles to allow the patient to be as independent as possible, and to prevent falls from happening. For those with failing mobility, you may need to invest in a wheelchair. For someone who is bedridden, you may need to purchase a special mattress that helps prevent bedsores from forming. Little pillows may also be necessary to relieve certain pressure points at the arms and legs.
Our loved ones may also require diapers. Have you seen how much these cost? And you can’t stinge on these. You have to change the diaper even if they are slightly soiled to prevent chaffing and skin irritation that could lead to infection and other complications.
Skincare for people who are immobile goes to another level of mere beauty requirements. You have to be extra careful with every pressure point to prevent any sores or cuts because healing happens a lot slower for them. With diabetes, every single cut can be life-threatening because the infection can get septic, which could lead to sepsis or gangrene.
Where am I going with this?
The cost of caring for our ailing loved ones is something we need to factor into our budget. Prices are on the increase. What was once a pinch feels like a sucker punch in the gut if caught off-guard.
We need to plan, strategise and have some savings. We need to make our own budget work in our favour.