How Much Is Too Much?

As health care providers, its our job and second nature to assist our patients in every way possible. We call in prescriptions, we set-up appointments, and we check on them when they are sick. We will do anything that we feels helps them get better. But when does caring go too far? In other words how much is too much?

HIV is not only a physical illness but an emotional one as well. Regardless of how good or bad one feels physically, once diagnosed, their life has changed. Some are able to take such change in stride, carrying on with life, making adjustments as needed but doing what needs to be done to go on. But others find it very difficult to continue. The shock of learning they are HIV positive often leads to drugs, alcohol and depression. For obvious reasons, it's these patients that test our abilities.

We as caregivers are challenged to walk the fine line between giving appropriate care and assuming all responsibility for our patients health. At what point does our caring effect the patient's ability to care for themselves?

Studies show that patients who are invested in their own care do much better. If by doing too much, caregivers remove the need for that patient involvement their health will ultimately suffer. How can we expect patients to adhere to drug therapies on their own, when we have illustrated to them that we will do everything for them, from making appointments, to calling employers, to filling out forms. Instead, caregivers and patients should work together, each with their own set of responsibilities and expectations. This way, the patient stays invested in their own care. Obviously, how involved a patient is depends greatly on a patient's health, knowledge base, and available resources. Some patients are not well enough to care for themselves or to maintain their activities of daily living, leaving it up to the caregiver to meet those needs until the patients are able to meet them without assistance. For patients who are feeling well and are able, they should be encouraged to take control of their healthcare. And we as caregivers must be aware that sometimes a little goes a long way. Too much help can be a true disservice to our patients.

So what do we do?

First assess our patients needs and abilities.

• Structure our care plans to maximize the patient's abilities and optimize their health.
  

• Involve patients in care planning.
  

• Allow patients do what they are able, keeping them invested in their own care and health.
  

• Promote patient education by providing HIV educational material to patients and loved ones as well as taking time during their visits to answer their questions.
  

Like the old saying goes..."too much of a good thing...."