The caregiver is sometimes forced into the role of the disciplinarian, as you have to help the patient follow his diet, medication and treatment plan.
Perhaps, you may assume the role of a teacher or guide, in trying to motivate the patient to live actively and positively.
Concurrently, you are restraining your own emotions and trying to act objective and level-headed.
Unfortunately, there may be occasions when you are forced to see your patient physically changed, hooked to all kinds of devices, with different needles and tubes attached. At such times, even the nature of the patient may be different. He may be tired, uncommunicative, depressed or irritable. Disbelief and consequently, detachment can set into your approach.
You may have to remind yourself about how that person truly is, under normal circumstances. That he is still hidden there, below all this trauma. Help him remember this as well. Together, you must bring him back to normalcy.
Hospital units may leave little privacy, to both, the patient and caregiver. Expressing affection in front of others, does not come easily to everyone, especially in reserved societies. Public displays are frowned upon.
Due to all the above factors, routine display of love and affection may become limited. Consciously avoid this. It is a well accepted fact, that demonstration of love and affection, play a huge role in healing. The human touch, especially of a near and dear one, has been known to lower anxiety, mental trauma and even physical pain.
Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated or embarrassed by the situation. Your patient will benefit immensely, by you verbalizing your love and offering your reassuring touch. Tender Loving Care, or TLC, can prove to be one of your patient’s most potent remedial therapy.