CareGiverConnect
From 19 to 99
A guiding principle behind my creating CareGiver360 was the notion that caregiving should not only manage the physical conditions of those receiving care but should also deliver tools to help those individuals enjoy and engage in life.
My grandmother is about to reach an amazing milestone in life: in September she will be turning 100. She has been blessed with a very healthy mind and body for most of her life. Despite her recent health concerns she has lived a life of independence that many of us hope for.
Over the past decade she has begun to experience more frequent medical conditions that have slowed her pace a bit. These obstacles continually frustrate her and cause her to ask God about His plan for her life.
Her attitude differs greatly from that of my 19 year old son, Austin, who, for his whole life, has lived with severe developmental and physical disabilities. He has not experienced a life of independence and freedom from health concerns, but he certainly has experienced a great deal of joy in his life. Austin’s outlook on life is filled with wonder and curiosity.
When my family went to visit my grandmother during a recent stay at a rehab center, the difference in their two outlooks became very clear to me. It was apparent that she felt alone, frustrated and uncomfortable. Given the fact that the last time I saw her we ended up discussing Bon Jovi’s recent concert tour, her change in mental outlook was quite shocking to me. The staff did not seem to know what she needed or wanted in order to feel fulfilled and engaged in life. They simply treated her condition, but not her spirit.
My son, by comparison, continues to enjoy life because his caregivers, my wife and I, can anticipate and provide him with all the things that nourish his spirit. It is our knowledge of his life and needs that enable us to allow Austin to bring joy and happiness to those around him.
Although the difference in age between my grandmother and my son is 80 years, their fundamental needs are the same. Possessing an intimate understanding of what a person needs to engage in the world and feel fulfilled is critical to a successful caregiving experience and can result in joy that can be shared with the community.