Too frequently a family
member, friend, neighbour or others we know are diagnosed with a serious
ailment. That “news travels fast” is an understatement, and despite pleas for privacy
- everyone is a-buzz.
Well-meaning offers of
assistance, advice, carefully spoken encouragements or even probing questions
can be nearly overwhelming!
After the proverbial dust
settles and people are no longer so attentive, a routine may develop which
involves a spouse or other caregiver from dawn to dusk, as well as interrupted
sleep through the night to meet the needs of a loved one or patient who is
unwell.
The prognosis may not be a
guarded opinion or clearly terminal, there are many situations where caregivers
toil courageously over long periods of time, the commitment seldom eases.
Children may have any number of debilitating conditions and require ongoing
attention and assistance; victims of accident might find their lives and
lifestyle turned topsey-turvy; parents or partners may develop dementias;
others may suffer the cruelty of incurable relentless conditions.
While television, print media
and support-group efforts create an awareness not previously learned, until
people walk in someone else’s moccasins as a selfless caregiver, there is only
surmise, not knowing.
In-home caregiver family
members can hardly participate in an exciting conversation about trivia or fun,
the row they hoe is long, winding and fraught with challenges. A quick trip to
the grocery store for food basics must be scheduled, time-frame predictable,
and with backup in place!
Courageous men, women and
children are all around us, seldom complaining – just doing what needs to be
done. When we hear a radio account, view a television documentary or news clip,
or read a magazine article about the intricacies of managing the task loads and
keeping a steady hand on the tiller – let us be grateful for our own good
fortunate and send good thoughts to the unsung heroes we may know of, haven’t
yet met, or will never meet.
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