The second thing Mrs. Thomas needs is a patient, understanding approach to her care. She needs someone enthusiastic about her belief in her ability to learn to perform self-care activities again, and someone who is patient in allowing her the time to do them.

Third, Mrs. Thomas needs someone whom she can talk to about herself, about her life and her past, and then about her fears about her future and her disability. This person could be anyone, although it is best that she or he is Mrs. Thomas' primary caregiver and intimately involved in the planning of her care.

Copyright 2000