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Healthy HomeWho Will Help Us?
by Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T. (Diane's bio)
IMPORTANT!: Please read our legal notice regarding this health column by clicking here.
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“Who will help us?” Maggie whispered sadly. Maggie and James Hill, both in their fifties, were in chaos. Maggie's mother Joan was having serious health problems and few family members lived nearby to assist. Joan needed extended healthcare and numerous doctor visits; the Hills were not prepared.
The Baby Boomer generation has become the sandwich age group. On one end of the spectrum, their parents live longer. On the other hand, boomers' adult children are coming back to the nest. Some return from divorce; others find living expenses exorbitant and come back with entire families in tow. The boomers are in the middle.
Consider the Hill family. Maggie's mother Joan lived with them for ten years before having any major health problems. James's daughter and grandchildren moved in temporarily while his son-in-law sought a job out of state. The Hill's finances were strained to the maximum. Unexpectedly, Maggie's eighty year old mother fell and broke a hip. During rehabilitation her mental status deteriorated. The Hills faced countless decisions. Who would help?
The Medical Team Can Help
Families seldom prepare for a crisis. As a physical therapist, I see people who are overwhelmed by the illnesses of loved ones. I know that social workers and the hospital medical team are specially trained to network with families and locate resources. Within 24 to 48 hours someone is on the case, working with the family and evaluating the need for extended rehabilitation, home health, or other options.
We work with the physician in lining up the proper follow-up. In the case of Joan, the family wanted her to try home health after a month in the rehabilitation hospital. The second phase of care began. After a month the agency could no longer come and more help was needed.
The Church Can Help
Members of the Hill's church began to offer additional assistance. Families in similar situations began to explore options with the Hills. Here is what they did:
- Called the family at least once a week to check on everyone.
- Helped locate qualified sitters/nursing personnel. (Nursing students can be a wonderful resource if the patient does not require licensed care.)
- Sent a card once a month.
- Took a meal. (Check about diet restrictions.)
- Offered to stay at a time when sitters weren't available so the family could do something together.
- Took one of the caregivers (family) for coffee just to break the action.
- Let them know they were prayed for by name when they are unable to attend church.
- Provided tapes for sermons or special recordings.
- Drove patient to doctor visits when possible.
- Listened, listened, and listened.
The Community Can Help
Other community resources are meal services, respite care, senior centers, adult day care, hospice care, and transportation services. Different avenues must be evaluated as an individual's medical status changes; a primary physician or health professional can lend support.
Back to Our Friends…
Maggie and James continue to work yet have a sitter who stays with Joan. The extra family members have moved into their own home out of state. Church friends check in every few days. Many answered the call for help.
My hope is that the church, answering the call for help, will still lead the way as the example of uncommon love in the 21st century.
For Your Soul Consideration
Who will help in the circumstances of life? “My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2 KJV)
Resources:
www.aarp.org/life
Copyright 2002, Diane H. Pitts. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
THE CONTENT OF THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN IS PRESENTED IN SUMMARY FORM, IS GENERAL IN NATURE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR FACE-TO-FACE, IN-PERSON, PROFESSIONAL, MEDICAL, PSYCHIATRIC, OR PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH CARE ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION, HEALTH DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN. Please read our full legal notice.
| About Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T.: Diane Pitts has practiced in the fields of nursing and physical therapy for twenty-five years. She currently manages the education and escapades of three active boys in addition to pursuing an interest in writing. Healthy Home seeks to provide the reader with practical ways to maintain wholeness in body, mind, and soul. Contact her at healthyhomecol@earthlink.net. |
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