4 Lessons From Caregiver Turned Caree

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4 lessons from a caregiver turned careeA very personal story from a new perspective.

Over-the-counter medicines were of no avail. September 28 I headed for the local clinic to get help with my congestion. I had no intention of being gone more than an hour or so.

Before I knew it, I was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Forty (40) days later I returned with oxygen, home health, and a calendar filled with medical appointments. One collapsed lung, pneumonia and other related issues. From eight days in ICU, hospital stay, and four weeks in rehab, I gained a new perspective on what it means to be the one receiving the care.

Exciting end of journey at the close of this article. I pray the following list will give you a new perspective as you care for those you love—and for yourself!

#1 Priorities can change without warning. I walked away from two desks and a table piled high with what I was sure were very important projects for me to finish. My computer and the five e-mail addresses that I checked daily (a few times each day) would go untouched for forty days! My husband, who depended on me to fix meals, keep house, and run the office would suddenly be the one in charge of everything!

Surprisingly, life went on without me. While I lay in that hospital bed praying to get well, my husband managed to maintain the home and business while visiting me each day.

#2 You may have to learn to depend on others. I am independent to a fault. It is difficult to ask for help or accept it when offered. My four weeks in rehab began with me in a wheelchair; someone else deciding where I would go and when. My private life gave way to the bidding of nurses, CNAs, and therapists. I never wanted to change in front of someone and now strangers were giving me a shower.

Although this was difficult for me to accept, I knew it was for my good. I am so thankful for those who cared for me, and accepted me warts and all!

#3 Visitors are not always a good thing. My doctors and my husband agreed that I should not have visitors for several weeks. I needed time to adjust and hospital staff needed freedom to do their jobs. After I began feeling better, I was ready for some short visits from friends and family. Even then, I tired easily and was ready to rest when they left.

I continue to be amazed at how quickly my life changed. I was busy, very busy, daylight to dark and beyond. Now, it was taxing to get through a few hours without rest.

#4 Cards are always a good thing. I received cards everyday; and was thankful for them. The hours spent alone in that tiny room brightened as I read and re-read the sentiments on each one. I prayed for those who took the time to send them. I praised God for His love shown through them.

I have sent cards often; now I realize their value and will be more careful to continue. Again, I praise God for how He shows His love in such simple ways.

And now, as promised, the end of the journey; or is this the beginning?

God allowed me to have ample time to rest and recoup. He protected me in so many ways; my lack of oxygen over several months could have caused so much internal damage. He provided me great care and therapy—continuing still—and has given me renewed strength and determination to care for myself.

I am still on oxygen for a bit; not all the time. My blood pressure and other meds was cut in half, and the breathing treatments will be temporary as I continue to mend. I’m still very, very tired but so thankful to be improving each day.

Sunday I will go to church with my husband for the first time since September, snow or no snow! I will worship my Lord and Savior with new gusto. I am indeed thankful this holiday season!

Hugs and blessings,

Shopping for gifts? Don’t forget a copy of My Mother My Child with discussion guide; great reading and valuable tool for those you love.

 

5 Keys to Safe Uncluttered Living Areas

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5 keys to safe uncluttered living areas

Simple solutions to safe, uncluttered living areas.

Needs change as you care for a loved one; whether in their home or yours. It can be overwhelming to maintain a safe, uncluttered environment. Here are five simple ways to make living areas more enjoyable for everyone in the household.

Actions depend on several factors:
Is the person you are caring for confined to a room or the entire home? What about their mobility; move on their own? With a walker? Wheelchair?

Critical easy to-do list for every family. For this article we will assume an elderly person is able to move around on his/her own with some assistance from walker or chair.

#1 FLOORS: Are they easy to navigate or are they slippery or rough? Did you remove any area (aptly called throw) rugs. Do they have appropriate footwear, not slippery soles, etc.?

#2 FURNITURE: Are there small tables, plants or other items that would be easily tipped over or tripped on when one is going to the bathroom or kitchen? What about shelving units near the traffic area? Are they top heavy? Securely in place?

#3 LAMPS & ELECTRONICS: Are lamps easy to reach and turn on and off? Is the phone in reach, if applicable? Can they turn on the radio or television? Is the traffic area clear of cords?

#4 PERSONAL NEEDS: Is there a small tray or table for books and personal needs within reach? Does your loved one have access to water or have a pitcher and water cup handy? Is a box of tissue or some paper towels?

#5 MIRRORS: Do they enjoy seeing themselves in the mirror? Or does their reflection in the mirror bother them? (My mother enjoyed the mirrors, others may be frightened by the images they see or the movement as they pass by.)

Caring for others is a lifetime learning experience. Small things that we never even consider can be overwhelming to someone who is ill or elderly.

Another note on keeping others comfortable as you care for them: sit a spell in their chair. Seriously. One day I sat in Mother’s chair to rest a bit from cleaning. I was shocked to realize how uncomfortable it was. It looked just fine but the cushions were worn and back support was nil. A new chair was ordered right away. Take time to sit where they sit; look at what they see everyday. How can you improve their environment?

Have a great week; let me hear from you soon.

Hugs,

Have you checked out my articles in the Springfield Writer’s Guild Anthology yet? You’ll enjoy Creative Collections.

Tasty Seasonings for Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

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Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

Try tasty seasonings for grilled or roasted vegetables to expand your menu.

Grilled or roasted vegetables may not yet be in your menus. If your family thinks adding vegetables means more taters (fried or with gravy) and green beans loaded with onion and bacon, you are challenged to prepare a variety of leafy green and yellow vegetables that will actually be consumed.

Grilled or roasted vegetables are the rage right now; and, if seasoned right, can look quite appetizing even for the most finicky households. Roasting or grilling provides opportunity to explore herbs and seasonings and perk up our old standbys.

Our taste buds deserve more than salt, pepper, and grease.

Standard seasoning is a dash of salt, some pepper, and perhaps bacon grease. Health conscious families cringe at adding grease and many people have to forgo the salt, or at least most of it. Many of us are not accustomed to using our herbs and spices on vegetables unless they are in a stew or casserole.

Here is a small list of some herbs and spices I have found to add zest and variety especially to grilled or roasted vegetables.  For salads, add freshness with parsley, mint or chives.

  • Garlic – a widely used herb and will compliment many vegetables if used in moderation.
  • Basil – an aromatic green leaf, member of mint family. Basil is especially good with tomatoes.
  • Celery seed – ground or whole, has a strong celery flavor. Too much can create a “hot” spice effect.
  • Marjoram – gray green herb from mint family. If you like oregano in your stews and main dishes, marjoram is a milder version of that flavor and useful in vegetable and pasta dishes.
  • Parsley – delicate sweet flavor. Chopped fresh parsley livens up a plate of roasted veggies.
  • Rosemary – very aromatic leaf resembling pine needles, strong flavor.
  • Nutmeg – sweet, aromatic kernels of nutmeg fruit. Used often in desserts and breads, nutmeg can be a fun way to liven up vegetables. Just a small shake will have your family wondering what that fantastic taste is.
  • Some good combinations: basil, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean fare; or coriander with garlic and ginger for Oriental or Mexican dishes.

As you cook more with herbs, you will determine what flavors your family enjoy and learn to use more or less accordingly. Use them sparingly so not to overpower the distinct flavors of each vegetable.

As with any food item, fresh is best. Consider growing your own herbs in small pots or a flower-box at your windowsill and be prepared to tantalize your taste buds.

If you do not grill, loosely arrange layers of vegetables brushed with olive oil in a shallow pan and bake. Before serving drizzle with a mixture of balsamic vinegar and herbs. To enhance flavor, return dish to oven for a few minutes before serving.

I’m hungry, heading for the kitchen. Meet you there with a cup of java!

Hugs,

Doing your shopping yet? Consider  My Mother My Child with Discussion Guide

For some exciting short stories and poems from myself and other writers I recommend Creative Collections