When my dad was in the hospital for an appendectomy, he developed an ileus—a “sleepy bowel” often following abdominal surgery. Nurses tried to insert a nasogastric tube to relieve the pressure, but he vomited and aspirated. Combined with his other health problems, this sent him into a downward spiral. Dad moved back and forth from the hospital to rehab for three months and eventually went into kidney failure, ending up on dialysis.

Many physical and psychological stressors can negatively affect our loved ones. Those with dementia often decline noticeably after a bout of Covid or pneumonia. Hospitalizations, especially when coupled with long-term bedrest, can weaken our older loved ones. Even anxiety can cause our care recipients to deteriorate.

We can’t avoid many of these factors, but we can prevent some issues that may cause a downward spiral.

Here are a few ways we can avert problems for our loved ones:

• Keep them well hydrated and well nourished.
• Watch for and quickly treat infections, such as UTI’s or respiratory infections.
• Keep their environment as stable as possible. Avoid such things as moving older loved ones or those with dementia or taking them into unfamiliar surroundings.
• Reduce sensory overload or social isolation.
• Prevent sleep disruption.
• Investigate medication side effects or interactions that might cause confusion, worsen memory, or affect mobility.

Sometimes heading off trouble can make our caregiving easier. And that’s always a good thing!

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
—3 John 2 NKJV

Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness. A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 29 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, produces a newsletter for writers, and does freelance editing. But her most important job is Grandma to eight completely unspoiled grandchildren.