Understanding Chronic Illness

Course overview

Given that many of us are living into old age with the help of medical advances, we are aging more diversely than ever before. Some people navigate the aging path well, but many others struggle with the burden of chronic illness. This course offers a guide for those who are helping a loved one battle the various illnesses that plague us. Caretakers, mental health professionals and even friends can feel lost and confused about how to help loved ones deal with illness. Friends and family members often become formal and informal caretakers for those we love. And though we can be well meaning, we often miss the mark in terms of how to be most helpful. Illness makes everyone anxious, but as witnesses, we often worry about what to say or what to do. This course takes the guesswork out of the equation. Among other topics, it addresses: What to say and not to say when someone is ill What to say to doctors and medical staff when acting as a patient advocate How to help someone in pain When and how to set limits regarding intense caregiver responsibilities Vicarious trauma and passion fatigue associated with helping someone who is ill How to define normal grieving How positive relationships can benefit health Mental health professionals and medical clinicians can also benefit from this course by getting the ¿inside scoop¿ on what patients and their family and friends experience.