I had a very busy week and I'm a bit tired, but then again everyone seems to be so busy that I have no reason to complain. Papa was released from the rehabilitation hospital on Thursday. We thought we might have to do some quick renovations, but except for moving a few pieces of furniture all went well. We are getting estimates for some possible future changes so we have an idea of cost. He is basically obeying doctors orders so I can leave him for a couple of hours at a time. I make sure food and drink are at his level of reach and easy to microwave. I've even cooked breakfast a couple of days so we'll see how it goes. Of course, all he cares about is that I visit mema and make sure she's eating and participating in the day.
I'm switching topics a bit here. Caregiving is defined several different ways if you "Google" the term. These are two that I found that pretty much sums it up:
1. From: www.alzheimersblog.org/Alzheimers "Caregiving is the act of providing unpaid assistance and support to family members or acquaintances who have physical, psychological, or developmental needs. Caring for others generally takes on three forms: instrumental, emotional, and informational caring.
2. www.thefreedictionary.com/caregiving 1. An individual, such as a physician, nurse, or social worker, who assists in the identification, prevention, or treatment of an illness or disability. 2. An individual, such as a family member or guardian, who takes care of a child or dependent adult.
I post the above because for some reason I have not considered myself a caregiver until this past week. Honestly, I do not know if I have been avoiding the word, afraid of the word or just did not want to admit this is what I have been doing. One thought just popped in my head: I am avoiding the term because then I would have to admit that papa needs a bit more care than either he or I want to admit. Don't get me wrong, he is fiercely independent and wants to get back to normal as soon as possible, but at 82 we may be working toward a new normal.
I also think about coaching and caregiving. How the two parts of my world are coming together in one way shape or form. The families of the residents and some staff members gravitate toward me as we all navigate through these times.
Poor Lady (dog) has been disrupted this past week. She is avoiding papa and his wheelchair so usually at night I carry her into his room so he can pet her and say goodnight. She has been sleeping with me more often than previously. We got new mattresses this past week so she can't jump up as she did before as they are a little higher. Lady sits beside the bed and gives me a look as I get ready for bed so I know whether or not to pick her up onto the bed. Once she's up there she stays for the night. She was groomed yesterday and did great going following the groomer into the mobile trailer. This is definitely so much easier than taking her in the care somewhere. I'm getting to look at convenience as a reason for many things.
Did not have a chance to get any reading done. I'm hoping this week I can at least a few pages in. How about you?
I am going to end this here today and get the day moving along. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine
“Go where you are celebrated – not tolerated. If they can’t see the real value of you, it’s time for a new start.” – Unknown
“The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered there is opportunity for growth.” – Unknown