Dignity is Found in the Little Things

Author

PeopleCare Health Services, LLC

Posted on

Jan 12, 2017

Book/Edition

Colorado - Southern Colorado

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My father has always been a very capable man.
He worked hard his whole life as a roofer, put three kids through university and believed that with hard work and focus, anyone could succeed. He is understandably, a proud man.
About 18 months ago, my siblings and I noticed that our dad was having difficulty performing even the simplest of daily tasks without someone available to assist him. We raised the hard topic of securing a company to provide in home care and through some very hard discussions with our dad, he was able to be vulnerable enough to share some of his feelings and fears. We kept what he shared in mind when we looked for and identified a provider company and we meet regularly with is caregivers to be sure they remember and are remaining sensitive to them as well.
First, no matter how patient and graceful people are when helping him, my dad shared that he remains extremely embarrassed that he now needs help with simple things like putting on his socks or having a caregiver standing nearby when going to the bathroom. He shared that no matter how much patience and grace is given to him, he is always embarrassed and frustrated that he can no longer do these things on his own.He is frustrated that those things that he once could once do quickly and easily (brushing his teeth, lying down in bed, getting in/out of the car, etc) now takes so much longer!
My dad went on to share that, because of this constant embarrassment and frustration, sometimes when he asks for things it comes out with a little more edge than he means and is a reflection on his own feelings and not anything his caregivers are or are not doing.Power Rangers live streaming film
Second, he shared how important it was that, even though some tasks would be quicker and easier for caregivers to do themselves, he still wants to do them. To be more direct, my dad shared that he needed to be able to do things like folding his own clothes or even making a simple lunch because, in some small way, he was reminded that he still had, on some level, the ability to take care of himself. That small, little feeling is incredibly important to him because it gives him dignity.
So as you head into the New Year with fresh anticipation and perspective, we share these two simple thoughts with you. Little acts give dignity and sometimes the edge you experience with a loved one is just because they are embarrassed and a little frustrated that they need you so much.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Todd Slechta. Todd isthe Director of Education & Communication with PeopleCare Health Services and may be reached at (720) 863-1500 or by email at ToddS@PeopleCareHS.com


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