Tag Archives: mother

Caring Enough to Bring Springtime Inside

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Caring Enough to Bring Springtime InsideEntering a friend’s room in a care facility, I cheerfully clutched my fresh-picked daffodil bouquet. The sweet lady in bed was not able to go outside and enjoy the magnificence of springtime’s arrival and I was sure my small gift would brighten her drab room.

I was in complete awe as I entered her room; I felt I walked into a spring garden. Residents and staff had decorated each resident’s room with colorful spring posters and pretty flower cut-outs.  Streamers of bright ribbons adorned pictures on the walls and bows accented the lamps and such. Not only did spring’s arrival permeated each room, the holiday atmosphere grew as each employee joyfully greeted visitors.

One of the staff told me they celebrate each month with all the vigor they can muster. “Not a one of us, after all, is promised a tomorrow! We simply must do all we can do today to celebrate the goodness of God.” Wow! That profound comment was food for thought!

I recall holidays when we were caring for Mother. We hurriedly put out an appropriate card and flower of some sort as holidays came and went and seasons changed. I may have even decorated a cupcake or two. But, to celebrate each day like this? No, not at all.

The truth is, spring has sprung! Easter is here! We have much to celebrate, not the least of which is A Risen Savior! How better to spread the Good News of New Life than to splash color around your home; at least in the room occupied by the home-bound. Give them and your family something new to gaze upon. Add life and interest to your home.

Celebrate family! Celebrate life!

I pray for you, dear friend, that you find rest when you are weary. I pray you find resources to meet your needs and those in your care. I pray you find courage and hope for the days ahead.

Most of all, I pray as Easter approaches, that you know the Savior that rose from the grave that day and offered His free gift of Eternal Life and Hope to all who would receive it. Happy Easter!  Blessings and hugs to each of you.

Thanks for dropping by; leave a note and I’ll answer. Share with friends so they will sign up for my newsletter (box at the top right of the page). You can help me be an encourager to those who need a weekly hug. Blessings.

Caring for Others Palliative Care Option

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Needless stress can be alleviated as we learn options available. One object of this column is to help caregivers and caring families know about choices available. I was not aware until recently of palliative care; what it meant and who may need it. Perhaps, you also find the term unfamiliar.

As we learned last week, hospice care is generally for patients with life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care is an area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients without dealing with the underlying cause. This care may be available in all disease stages, not simply end-of-life situations.

The rapidly growing field of pediatric palliative care has clearly shown the need for services geared specifically for children with serious illness.

Immediate palliative care is indicated for patients with serious illness and who have physical, psychological, social, or spiritual distress as a result of the treatment they are seeking or receiving. Palliative care increases comfort by lessening pain, controlling symptoms, and lessening stress for the patient and family, and should not be delayed when it is indicated. Palliative care  can increase quality of life and lengthen the patient’s life.

Depending on the circumstances and need, both hospice and palliative care are provided by a team of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, chaplains, various therapists, volunteers and family. It would be wise to visit with your primary physician concerning the help available to you or your loved one. As with any care, this may not be a viable option for you; be sure to become well-informed.

Several of you are facing complicated issues. From personal experience, I also know when in the middle of a crisis or potential crisis, it is difficult to make sound decisions. I cannot stress enough to communicate, not only with your health care providers, but also family and volunteers who may be helping you.

During the years I took care of Mother, it was often an aide or friend of the family who had been in similar circumstances and therefore, provided some timely information.

I believe our loving Heavenly Father equips many people according to their gifts to help others cope when the inevitable trials come. My husband has served as a hospice chaplain nearly twenty years and often shares with me how God has worked through ordinary people to accomplish great things.

My prayer is that you will trust and rely on Him for guidance in all your decisions and never lose hope.

Hugs,

Please let me know if you found this helpful to you. I would like to hear from those who have used this care. Next week we’ll look on the lighter side of caring for others. Blessings to you.

5 Problem Solving Helps When Caring for Others

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Anna is primary caregiver for her mother and stretched to the max keeping up with work, family, and life. She is somewhat relieved that her ailing mother is now in a good extended care facility; and they keep her informed of any changes in her mother’s physical condition or her care. Or, so she thought.

On a recent visit, she found her mother’s condition had worsened, and no one had prepared Anna for drastic changes in her care. Her initial reaction was to feel angry, hurt, and helpless. Often she was made to feel like an intruder as she began to question the changes.

As parents, friends, relatives or primary caregivers, we each will come face-to-face with sudden emergencies and need to be prepared to deal properly with them. Here are some helpful tips to avoid or at least ease the tension of these situations. We’ll look at what Anna learned from personal experience and from a gentle nurse who sensed her frustrations and told her, “you wait right here. I will not let you leave until I get the answers for you concerning your mother’s care”. It was clear, this nurse loved what she was doing; she wanted to help people and encourage co-workers.

1. You are often the patient’s advocate whether you asked for the position or not. They may not be able to express their needs. The same inadequate care or neglect may be happening to other patients; those in charge need to hear from you. Do not hesitate to go directly to the administrator, physician, or others in charge for clarification and direction.
2. When someone in your care enters a new facility, document everything you can. Post names of employees who give especially reliable care and those you have cause to question. When things are not as they should be in the facility or with the patient, make a note of it and who is working at the time.
3. Take time to assess the current situation. Ask yourself, is this really of prime importance to her overall care and well-being? Am I over-reacting? Stop. Take time to honestly evaluate your position. You do not want to complicate the problem by acting in haste.
4. Proceed kindly with determination to find solutions. Resolve to be kind to everyone involved. You may need to stop more than once to breathe deeply, relax, and continue in a better frame of mind.
5. Strive to be an encourager, even in difficult times. Many of the employees are doing the best they can. As they say, “don’t let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch.”
6. Remember why you are there as well. Are you caring for your loved one from a loving heart, out of duty, or some other reason?

It can prove extremely difficult from time to time to care for others. However, if we do it because we love them, the task becomes much easier. As we grow into better caregivers, the patients feel genuinely loved,  accepted and cared for.

As I read over these helps, I see they can apply to all areas of our lives; children in schools, on the job, at work or play. People of all ages and health need the same thing—love, acceptance, and hope for a good day. You can be the instrument today to help another.

Praying you will feel that love and acceptance and an extra surge of energy and hope as you care for others along your path.

Hugs,

Let me hear from you soon. Be sure you are signed up for my newsletter (pretty box in the top right hand corner) as I have exciting, encouraging things to share in the weeks to come.  Thanks.