Caring for someone with HIV/AIDS

Looking after a person with HIV/AIDS is not easy. Get enough rest yourself. Take some time off. Ask a friend or family member to help.

• Spend time with the person living with HIV/AIDS. Discuss the foods they need to maintain and gain weight and manage their illness. Get to know what kind of foods they like and do not like. Involve them in planning their meals.
• Keep an eye on their weight. If possible, weigh them regularly and keep a record. Look out for any unexpected weight loss and take action.
• Check the medicines they are taking. Read the instructions to find out when they need to be taken, what foods to be avoided and any side-effects.
• Be encouraging and loving. If they want to have food of their choice at any time of the day, try to get it for them.
• Be firm about the importance of eating but do not force the person to eat. Giving too much food at one time may cause them to refuse.
• If they are too sick to leave their beds, make sure that they have something to drink and a snack nearby.
• Keep a watchful eye. Look around to see if the house is clean, that there are no hygiene problems and there is enough food.
• If the sick person lives alone, invite them to join your family for a meal. Encourage others in the community to visit them and invite them out.