I’m Caring for Someone with Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain condition that is characterized by recurrent or multiple seizures. In Ontario, approximately one person in a hundred has epilepsy. Epilepsy can affect anyone, but often begins either in childhood or in the later years of life. Caregivers play a vital role in the physical and emotional well-being of a person with epilepsy. The following resources and tips can help you provide better care for someone living with epilepsy.
What Caregivers Can Do
People with epilepsy are at greater risk of injury. Here are some ways you can help reduce risks and improve your care recipient’s well-being:
- Understanding the types and symptoms of seizures
- Maintaining A Safe Environment
- Promoting Well-Being
- Work with the Healthcare Team
Supporting your care recipient
A person diagnosed with epilepsy may experience a range of emotions such as anger, frustration, and depression. As a caregiver, it is important to realize that mood changes can be a side effect of seizure medication, or the person may act out negatively as the result.
Be patient, encourage the person to talk about their feelings, and record behavior changes to provide to the doctor, are all helpful ways to promote well-being.
Managing seizures with medication
Seizure medication is the most common treatment for epilepsy. Caregivers can monitor changes in behavior or appearance and assist the person in following medical direction as well as communicating with healthcare professionals. You can prepare a list of questions for medical appointments to ensure that you don’t forget them.
Monitoring and Responding to Seizures
You can support your care recipient by:
- Identifying and avoiding seizure triggers such as forgetting medication, flickering light sources or excessive alcohol consumption
- Learning more about First Aid for epilepsy & seizures
Tips for Caregivers
- Be patient. Accept your limitations and join one of our programs if you need help.
- Watch for symptoms of caregiver stress such as sleep problems, headache, irritability, and withdrawal. Adequate sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition can all help to reduce your stress.
- Join a support group or connect with your peers. Contact your local epilepsy association or learn more about OCO’s Peer Support programs.
- Learn more about how parents, siblings, and grandparents can help someone with epilepsy.
Additional Resources
- Connect with Epilepsy Canada and Epilepsy Ontario for more resource and support.
- Visit Epilepsy South Central Ontario for more resources and support or call them at 905-450-1900.
- Visit Epilepsy Toronto for more resource and support or call them at 416-964-9095.
Not sure where to start? Call our 24/7 Caregiver Helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE) or talk to us in our Live Chat to find resources in your community.
Sources:
https://ontarioepilepsyguidelines.ca/guidelines-summary-paf/
