CAREGIVER SOLUTIONS
One Daughter’s Story: And Why She is Glad She Uprooted Her Life When I arrived, Dad was still in the neurological unit of the hospital. He had a left hip replacement after he fell and broke his hip. At some point, he also suffered a stroke that took away the use of his left arm. I had just driven with my two cockapoos and my cat 800 miles to get to town. For the next month and a half, Dad was taken back and forth between hospitals and rehab/nursing care for a variety of reasons. Once, because they thought he had aspirated, once because the incision on his hip became infected, once because of an UTI (urinary tract infection), which appeared to be an on-going battle because of the catheter, once because he fell out of bed. In a span of 45 days, my dad was transferred 10 times. With every move came changes in staff, in buildings, in protocol. For someone who has just had a fall, a stroke and surgery, even small changes such as the remote control, can cause much confusion. Read more about what Cathy Wise has learned from being a daughter/caregiver for the past three-plus years on TodaysTransitions.com. Search: Cathy Wise
CAREGIVERS, WHAT DO YOU NEED? The responsibility for another’s physical and emotional well-being can be draining. It’s important to draw strength from a source of faith, knowing God sees your care and love of another. Have one or two close friends who will listen to you and offer encouragement. Keep laughter and joy in your life. Eat well. Get rest and exercise. Remember you do not need to do this alone. —Kayla Cook, RN and Owner of Caring Excellence Personalized Home Care Services 58 Winter 2021-2022 / TodaysTransitionsNow.com
