Family Dynamics
The family is almost always the main provider of care for the senior with epilepsy who lives at home. Most relatives who care for seniors feel that it is their responsibility to do so, as they are usually the daughter or son of the person they are caring for. When a senior chooses a caregiver, a close family member is ordinarily chosen over anyone else.
When a senior is diagnosed with epilepsy, one of the unfortunate reactions of well-meaning family members is overprotectiveness. Although they may have the best of intentions, families can unnecessarily cause a senior to forfeit independence. Caring for a dependent person is time consuming and the work is often equivalent to a full time job. This added stress may cause the caregiver to make unwise decisions and place restrictions on the senior being cared for.
When seeking treatment for epilepsy, the whole family must have realistic expectations for controlling the seizures. There is no such thing as a perfect medication to completely stop all seizures. Everyone involved should understand that if the current anticonvulsant medication is not working, another might help.
Everyone in the family should try to understand the type of seizure the senior experiences, what medications are taken, the likely prognosis, and any appropriate first aid. Young children can learn to call 911 (or other emergency numbers). The family can practise "seizure drills". If the diagnosis of epilepsy is recent, there will likely be a reaction of fear to deal with.
People should not take on the responsibility of caring for a senior with epilepsy if they feel they are forced or that "nobody else is doing it." The most important element in a caregiving relationship is the emotional amicability and affection between both members. If this does not exist, both the caregiver and the senior should seriously consider other options.
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