The Weekly Kansas chief., 1881-10-27
alseful aud Curious.
Caring for the Sick.

Any one who has been sick as to require at
tention during the night, well as through the
day, soon learns what great differance there is
among night watchers. Under the care OF one
person, the patient will pass an uncomfortable
night, while in the care of another, the night
will be restful and even pleasant. In country
places, especially, are liable to be called up
at any time to ''sit up with or to watch
with very sick neighbor. This is q friendly
Office which we should always he ready to per-
form. But few families can well bear the ex-
pcnse of a hires, nurse, even where such Is with
in reach, and even where one is employed, it is
usually necessary that the care NJ night be given
by volunteers. One should always obey an invi-
tatlon to watch with eheerfulness, as he cannot
know how soon he may need the same service
himself. There few general rules which
should be observed by all who undertake the
care of very sick person. Always take dress
ng-gowE and slippers, or in warm weather
thin coat instead Of the dressing-gown. In very
cold weather do not 20 near the sick person un-
til the clothing and hands properly warmed.
person who is greatly Frustrated, often has
the sense highly sensitive. The sense OF SMELL
for example, is sometimes so exalted and acute
As to notice odors that not perceptible TO
the smell.
Ono of the important things for an intending
watcher is (if his daily occupation is one that is
like to give q marked odor to the clothing) To
change throughout. Those who smoke should
observe the same precautiOn, as the odor of stale
tobacco smoke is most distressing to an invalid,
even if he smokes himself when well. In taking
possession of the sick person for the night, learn
the hours fol. administering medicine and food,
and write them down. 1t is seldom the
that sick person should be roused from sleep
to take medicine; but be and ascertain
what directions have been given by the physi-
clan in this respect. If the patient is very i'll,
whisper in his presence if any thing Is to be
asked of member Of the family, do it out of the
room, Avoid all unnecessary moving about,
and all noise. If in winter, and the coal fire is
to be replenished, prepare beforehand for this by
taking some old newspapers and doing up the
coal in pareels-do this outside Of the room, of
course. A parcel of coal thus done up can he
placed in a stove crate without making any
noise. So where ice is to he given to the patient;
let it be broken up beforehand, and then to pre-
serve it, put it in soup plate aud cover it with
another, then place the plates between two
feather pillows, and IL may be kept for a long
time. See that the heat fram the fire does not
fall unpleasantly upon the patient, and take care
| that the lamp is properly shaded. In warm
| weather, when the windows are open, he careful
of sudden change during the night, and see
that drafts fall upon tine sick person. When
medicine is to he given, always measure and pre-
pare it out of the sight of the patient, that he
may not be thinking of il beforehand. When
the watcher is friend, the sick person is often
| tempted to talk, and thus induce fatigue. If the
| arrangement of the room allows it, the attendant
should sit ont of sight, but where he can hear
the least whisper.