
I started a new job last week. It would be an understatement to say it has been challenging – yet also rewarding. The elderly population (in my opinion) are the most misunderstood & forgotten groups of humans. I do not think family members realize the conditions in which their love ones reside – when not in their care. Even in the best of facilities – with the best of education and training provided – something as simple as “not having enough care staff” can make all the difference in the quality of care you are able to provide.
I am not naive, and I realize that my empathy regarding others far outweighs my capacity to change circumstances immediately. This often makes me feel powerless – but I can only imagine the helplessness of the individual who communicates to me and their help does not arrive in a timely manner. I do not have the power to help with immediate ‘physical needs’ because rules stipulate I am to anticipate other needs – through activities, recreation, entertainment, or personal engagement. These exceptional human beings have survived almost 100 years, and have had the unfortunate circumstance of losing their cognitive and physical abilities, and are at the mercy of those willing to take the time to get to know them and treat them with respect and dignity. In a perfect world, your care-giver will treat you as they would wish to be treated, but we do not live in a perfect world. In fact, it is very imperfect, and something as simple as being allowed to use the restroom when you need to is taken away from you. (This is an unacceptable and avoidable circumstance).
I have been challenged emotionally and spiritually this week – and have decided I will do whatever is in my power to help whomever I come in contact with. I was called into ministry as a teenager, and that call never left. I have tried so many different things in my life to redirect my focus and find another purpose. If I was chosen for anything – or if my life is predestined to be something… it would have to be care-giving because it comes as natural as breathing. One thing I struggle with is pacing myself, because I will work myself to exhaustion and not realize I am doing it. I do not say things to lift myself up or say I am a better human than most Because I care so much about the most marginalized groups of people on a regular basis. I am passionate about young and old people alike, but the ones I am drawn to at this point in my life happen to resemble the grandparents I was unable to help when I was younger.
I just wish people would realize that aging is a situation we will ALL face someday, and we will ALL wish to have someone who is willing to take the time to look us in the eyes and figure out what we are trying to communicate and be willing to meet our needs when we cannot meet those needs ourselves. Quality human care should be a top priority in all societies. Our society has a way of putting troubled youth away in orphanages or homes, and cognitively and physically disabled older individuals in facilities and trusting their needs are being met. It is ironic that the world can obsess over a babies security and comfort – while forgetting that life has a way of running full circle when we age. Sometimes the simplest… kindest course of action is all that is needed, yet most people do not take the time to do this.
I always wondered what my life was going to be when I grew up… I was uncertain of the direction I was going to until now. I have survived what may seem like the worst circumstances -However – I can see I am greatly blessed. I know I am here for a reason, and at the risk of sounding like a crazy church lady, I can say God had a hand at putting me in this place at this point in time because there is much work to do. My hope is I will be able to encourage others to volunteer their time with these individuals in the future.