January 2015 marks the beginning of a new year and a time to start fresh. Whether you believe in New Year’s Resolutions or not, this is the perfect time to set new goals that can improve yourself – mentally, emotionally and physically. For mesothelioma caregivers, this is especially important.
The mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy commend all mesothelioma caregivers for their dedication, support and selfless giving to loved ones with mesothelioma. There is no question that being a mesothelioma caregiver can be challenging, stressful and emotionally draining. It’s important to remember, however, that in order to provide the best care for your loved one, you must first take care of yourself.
If you’re a mesothelioma caregiver, consider taking these steps to get a jump start on 2015:
Short Term Tips
Research and choose a support group.
No one should have to deal with such challenging circumstances alone, but with the right support, you don’t have to. Depending on your location, there are a variety of support groups available that will allow you to connect with others going through similar situations. You may even be able to join an online support group. Your oncologist or mesothelioma lawyer may be able to provide recommendations, or the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has a great program called Meso-Connect.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You are one person – can you do it all? You shouldn’t have to. Turn to others – whether they are friends, family, therapists, or doctors – when needed. Other outlets, like volunteer groups that provide meals, or community resources that provide respite care, are available too. They are here to help, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. There is an online charitable program called Lotsa Helping Hands that provides online support to caregivers. They allow people who are caring for a loved one with an illness like mesothelioma to create an online private community to help with scheduling meals and care. Start your mesothelioma care community today.
Long Term Tips
Take care of yourself.
A support group can help emotionally, but what about your physical health? Are you getting enough sleep and time to de-stress? Remember: you can take better care of your loved one if you are physically well.
Here are some ideas: Schedule a certain amount of time each day, week or month that is solely yours. This can be 15 minutes to find a quiet place to read, or maybe a few hours to do something else you enjoy. Make an “appointment” with yourself and stick to it. Also, opt to make healthy, nutritious meals for yourself and your loved one. Nutritional needs are important and can help provide the energy you both need to get through the day.
Consider filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Some mesothelioma patients and caregivers put off the idea of filing a lawsuit because they think it will be more hassle than it’s worth. Fortunately with the right mesothelioma lawyer, this is not the case. For example, Simmons Hanly Conroy lawyers will meet with patients and their caregivers in their homes, making the lawsuit discussion and details convenient and stress-free. Additionally, our team will walk through the lawsuit process with you so you are aware of every step.
Mesothelioma lawsuits have the ability to drastically improve the life of yourself and your loved ones.* While no amount of compensation can buy you a medical miracle, a mesothelioma lawsuit can help ease the financial burden on your family. If you choose Simmons Hanly Conroy, there is absolutely no out-of-pocket expense to you or your family. . If you feel the time is right, contact our mesothelioma lawyers today.
*Please note that recovery results vary per client. The recovery amounts in each case reflect the specific facts of that case. Further, recovery amounts in past cases are not a guarantee of future results.
