HIV/Aids centre

Caring for a loved one with Aids

Finding out that someone close to you has been infected with HIV is not easy, and having to see the disease developing into Aids is even less so, but you have to deal with it for everyone's sake. Remember that your support is crucial during this difficult time.

Coming to terms with what has happened is the first step towards helping your loved one to deal with the illness. Of course, your first reaction will be that of shock and perhaps disbelief, so give yourself a little time to accept it.

The last thing that you should do is to pass blame. It will do no good and it won't change what has happened. Someone who has just found out that he or she has been infected with HIV needs a lot of love and assurance.

What you can do

• Educate yourself about the illness. Get information on the treatment options and where to find them and share these with him or her
• Find out about counselling and support groups for Aids patients and offer to attend meetings with him or her. As the illness progresses, offer to transport him or her to the meetings
• Touch and hug him or her regularly as other people may be misinformed and shy away from touching
• Offer a lot of encouragement. This will help reduce the stress and anxiety that he or she may feel and may help the person stick to the treatment regime.

Remember that although there is no cure for this devastating disease, the love of friends and family can make all the difference.