WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE — WILLMAR, MINNESOTA
GENERATIONS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 | D11
CAREGIVERS need love, too
BY KELLY FOSSO RODENBERG The art of caregiving is most certainly an art. Opportunities surface for a multitude of reasons: a pandemic, an aging family member, a disability, a disease, a mental illness. Some have years of prep for this space in time; for others it literally happens overnight. Caregivers who are thrust into this unpaid position typically find themselves deprived of training. Should you be one of the lucky ones, there’s room for advancement — you are granted more time to hone your skills. Just don’t expect to be properly compensated for it. While some patients and caregivers live under the same roof, others have numerous miles and
states between them. Both scenarios come with a host of pros and cons, I’m sure. Only a handful of caregivers are fortunate enough to be able to place life on hold, take a leave of absence, an early retirement or have the financial stability to exit their job. The vast majority of caregivers must now endure two full-time positions. As a caregiver turned patient, I don’t believe either position is necessarily any easier than the other. For this self-sufficient farm girl, asking for help has never been easy. Total toss-up if I’d choose to ask for help or require help. Given the fact I can’t open my own pill bottle, choices are limited. Every single day, my dear husband positions his empathy hat.
He takes three times the number of steps he normally would. Not by choice, but by necessity. While patience may not have been my strong suit growing up, it certainly is now. A few caregiving tips from one who has experienced both sides of the coin: Ź Fatigue is not your friend. Caregivers need a good night’s rest too. Ź Put on your own air mask first. It’s imperative you help yourself, so you can adequately help your patient. Ź Make a list. In general, people want to help, but claim not to know how. Puzzling, I know. Arm yourself with rapid fire. Ź Know you are not alone.
Metro Creative Connection
The art of caregiving is most certainly an art. For some, it is a planned-for event. For others, it can happen overnight. No matter how it happens, it’s important for caregivers to receive support from those around them. Seek help when necessary. Talk to your patient’s doctor, phone a friend, sign onto caregiver sites. Don’t be shy – request a stand in when you need a day off. Ź Realize it’s okay that not all friends stay. It says far more about them than it does you. Ź Whether the role is that of a patient or caregiver, frustrations
will surface and tears will fall. Caregivers: remember the person inside. Patients: remember this unsolicited role impacts life every day. Ź Attitude is everything! A good one serves you — and those around you — far better than a negative one. Keep spreading the light and love!
How to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION in serious cases. Bathrooms can be made illuminates all areas. Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as various groups warn that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom. The combination of hard surfaces and moisture from sinks and showers can create dangerous conditions. Furthermore, bathrooms tend to be small spaces, so should a fall occur, it’s more likely a person will hit various surfaces on the way down. The risk of falling in a bathroom increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors over age 65 have a 25% chance of falling in the bathroom. Seniors generally have less flexibility and balance than younger people, meaning falls can be life-threatening. Bones easily can become fractured and internal bleeding may occur
more safe in a few simple ways. Ź Keep the bathtub clean. Soap residue or other grime can contribute to slippery conditions in the shower and tub. Cleaning these surfaces frequently can improve traction. Ź Declutter the space. Remove extraneous items from the bathroom that can pose as tripping hazards. Ź Choose the right bath mat. Bath mats can contribute to slips and falls. For those who cannot live without them, choose a mat with slip-resistant backings and add double-faced tape for added security. Ź Limit moisture. Use a weighted shower curtain or install shower doors to prevent water from getting on the floor. Mop up any water or additional condensation to help dry the bathroom. Install an exhaust fan to help vent moisture that can condense and accumulate on the floor and fixtures. Ź Improve bathroom lighting. Make sure lighting in the bathroom
Ź Wear non-slip shoes. Wearing nonslip shoes when in the bathroom can reduce the chances of slipping on wet floors. Ź Install a walk-in shower or bathtub. These lipless fixtures can assist those who have difficulty entering a standard tub or shower. Grab bars also can help with maneuvering in and out of the shower area.
Ź Use a raised toilet seat. A raised toilet, or one with a special seat that reduces the distance one has to go to reach a seated position, may help prevent falls. Any individual with a health condition that causes vision disturbances or difficulties with balance should work with a doctor to find a resolution. These conditions may contribute to falls.
The Dethlefs Community Center strives to engage the residents of the New London and Spicer communities with weekly activities including Mahjong, Hand and Foot, Whist, Bingo, Lets Go Fishing Excursions, Speakers, Entertainment, SAIL Ǖ ǔ , ( Ű \ We also host the Lutheran Social Service in-house dining meal program for residents 60 years and
\ * Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ ǔ Ǖ \ Contact us today to get more information on any of the the programs we have available or to start ǔ\ 217 Hillcrest Avenue · Spicer, MN · 320.796.5208 · communitycenter@cityofspicer.org
