Register to join our community
|
|
Question:
Wife and Caregiver
I am a 44-year-old man with multiple sclerosis and have two PCAs. My wife says she wants to start doing my personal care to
save money, but I am worried that if she does, she will start thinking of me as a patient and not an equal partner. Does it
work in other families?
|
Answer:
by Mitchell Tepper: (05/16/2004)
By Mitch Tepper, Lizzi McNeff and Patti McNeff
Although it may work for some people some of the time, it probably won't for most couples all of the time. Any time you add
that level of caregiving to a relationship, you have the potential to burn out your partner. You do, however, have some
options to consider.
If paying for PCAs is a financial burden, your wife might assume responsibility for some of the less demanding caregiving tasks.
Identify and agree on what they are, then set a trial period. Or have one of your PCAs take a day off and see how it goes. Be
willing to negotiate, assess and review as the day goes on. You may find that some things work out well and--face it--some
don't.
Remember that your wife is your lover, partner and friend. Look at protecting and coveting the integrity of your marriage.
--Lizzi McNeffReviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
|
This question appears in the following topics:
|
|
|
|
