CAREGIVERS, THE ULTIMATE CHAMPIONS
Caregivers are the unsung heroes in the daily battle against seizures. From helping with daily tasks to ensuring the safety of a loved one, caregivers are critical to the well-being of a friend or family member with epilepsy.
It's no easy job, and luckily, there are resources to support you along the way.
How Can You Help
The responsibilities of a caregiver vary depending upon the needs of the person with epilepsy. It's important to have an open and honest conversation with your loved one to determine how you can help.
- Keeping them safe during a seizure
- In rare cases, calling for medical help when a partial-onset seizure continues for a prolonged period of time.
- Staying with them or seeing them home safely after a seizure
- Noting any pattern or trigger to their seizures, which may help if they don't recall their seizures
- Reminding and helping with taking epilepsy medicine.
- Going with them to appointments, helping to take notes, or providing descriptions of seizures (recording what happens before, during, and after a seizure) to the person with epilepsy and/or their healthcare provider.
- Acting as a representative or advocate for the person, with their healthcare provider or others involved in their care.
- Joining them in activities that might pose a safety risk if they were to have a seizure.
- Providing transporation, if necessary
- Helping to create a safe environment
Remember to always talk with your loved one's healthcare provider about any questions you may have.
Article from the XCOPRI website