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Giving Care
People living with AIDS should take care of themselves as much as they can for as long as they can. They need to be and feel as independent as possible. They need to control their own schedules, make their own decisions, and do what they want to do as much as they are able. They should develop their own exercise program and eating plan. In addition to regular visits to the doctor, many people with AIDS work at staying healthy by eating properly, sleeping regularly, doing physical exercises, praying or meditating, or other things. If the person you are caring for finds something that helps them, encourage them to keep it up. An exercise program can help maintain weight and muscle tone and can make a person feel better if it is tailored to what the person can do. Well-balanced, good-tasting meals help people feel good, give them energy, and help their body fight illness. People with HIV infection are better off if they don't drink alcoholic drinks, smoke, or use illegal drugs. Keeping up- to-date on new treatments and understanding what to expect from treatments the person is taking are also important.
There are some simple things you can do to help someone with AIDS feel comfortable at home.
If the person you are caring for has to spend most of their time in bed, be sure to help them change position often. If possible, a person with AIDS should get out of bed as often as they can. A nurse can show you how to help someone move from a bed to a chair without hurting yourself or them. This helps prevent stiff joints, bedsores, and some kinds of pneumonia. they may also need your help to turn over or to adjust the pillows or blankets. A medical "trapeze" over the bed can help the person shift position by themselves if they are strong enough. If they are so weak they can't turn over, have a nurse show you how to use a sheet to help roll the person in bed from side to side. Usually a person in bed needs to change position at least every 4 hours.
Bedsores:
Bedsores or other broken skin can be serious problems for
someone with AIDS. In addition to changing position in bed
often, to help keep skill healthy, put extra-soft material
(sheepskin, Òegg crate" foam, or water mattresses) under the
person, keep the sheets dry and free from wrinkles, and
massage the back and other parts of the body (like hips, elbows,
and ankles) that press down on the bed. Report any red or
broken areas on the skin to the doctor or nurse right away.
Exercises:
Even in bed, a person can do simple arm, hand, leg, and foot
exercises. These are usually called "range-of-motion" exercises.
These exercises help prevent stiff, sore joints and help keep the
blood moving. A doctor, nurse, or, physical therapist can show
you how to help.
Breathing:
If someone is having trouble breathing, sitting them up may
help. Raise the head of a hospital-type bed or use extra pillows
or some other soft back support. If they have severe trouble
breathing, they need to see a doctor.
Comfort:
A good back rub can help a person relax as well as help their
circulation. A nurse, physical therapist, or book on massage can
give you some tips on how to give a good back rub. Put books,
remote controls, water, tissues, and a bell to call for help within
easy reach. If the person can't get up, put a urinal or bedpan
within easy reach.
Go to the the Caring For Someone Menu
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