As we and our loved ones age, we may find that accommodations need to be made to how we meet our daily activities. What we often forget is to think globally about what we really have in the form of resources. Most of us will readily identify the money that is available, what is covered by insurance and the current ability of the aging person. What we miss is that everything and everyone in our environment may have something to contribute, no matter how small.
There are two general categories of care givers, formal and informal. The healthcare professionals we work with are clearly formal care givers as are social workers and the persons who administer the provisions of our health care coverage. Informal caregivers are just about everyone else. This includes children in small ways.
I am reminded of the time "Grandma J" fell just as she was returning from her daily walk. Her small shadow, a 4 year old neighbor was able to run to tell Grandma J's daughter about the fall and to return with a pillow to place under Grandma J's head. She sat with her, held her hand and sang the song her mother sang when she needed scraped knees tended, Jesus Loves Me.
Be willing to expand your thoughts to include people who can do small things in loving ways. Keep in mind that an object or tool that you do not need may be just the thing to meet a need.
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