Adult Care went pretty much as I expected. I was concerned that Alma would think it is a nursing home and she does. Honestly, it was pretty depressing there. We went in on Monday to fill out the paper work. The "administrative assistant" began assessing Alma by asking her several questions. One of those questions was "Who is the current president" and Alma beamed and said, "Obama!". I explained that Alma really loves Obama and she looked at Alma and said, "Well....you're the only one". Thus, the tone was set for admission to Adult Care of Roanoke Valley.
The place is pretty depressing to say the least. Basically, it is one large room with a small fenced yard off the side. It is brightly lit and there are several participants of all ages and levels of need. There are several CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) wandering around and Alma was getting plenty of attention. The bottom line is that I need a break and she really needs to be around some other people. Therefore, I am presenting it as a "volunteer" opportunity. I know that sounds bad if not downright deceitful. However, Alma is very physically able, loves to help and really enjoys being around elderly people. I believe I've shared her love of approaching elderly women in the grocery store and commenting on their hair while touching it. My hope is that they will encourage her as a more able mentor to some of the other participants. We'll see how that works out. In the meantime, I am going to try and finally get over to her house to work on getting it ready to put on the market.
LOVE THE IDEA OF USING AMLA AS A "MENTOR" TO THE OTHER RESIDENTS. I HAVE SEEN CASES WHERE THIS HAS WORKED AND THE MORE ABLE BODIED FOLKS LIKE ALMA HAVE WOUND UP BEING HELPFUL AND SERVING THOSE WHO ARE WORSE THAN THEY ARE. GIVE IT A CHANCE, IT CAN"T BE ANY WORSE THAN WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN GOING ON.YOU CERTAINLY DON'T HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR NEEDING A BREAK!!!
ReplyDeleteYOU MIGHT EVEN REFER TO IT AS GOING TO HER "JOB" OR HER OPPORTUNITY TO MINISTER TO OR SERVE OTHERS, WHAT EVER PHRASE SHE WOULD BE MOST COMFORTABLE WITH.
KEEP US POSTED.
LOVE ALWAYS
JO
My Darling Daughter,
ReplyDeleteI agree totally with Jo. In ministry, we bind up our wounds and go forth with our remaining strengths. That works!
For example,Jo literally binds up her right arm which no longer works and goes forth with her thoroughly loving and affectionate heart along with her professional competencies. And,I know you as my sensitive loving competent daughter. You bind up your emotional wounds constantly and shower the outpourings of your heart upon Keith,Alma,Wren,Kaiya,and countless others! (This occasionally cantankerous Dad remembers you well!)
If I've said too much,holler at me in your next posting,but I love you,I'm proud of you,and as your step-Mom said,"You certainly don't have to apologize for needing a break".
Concerning that pseudo-caregiver: As you know,it's a principle of counseling to work positively on the strengths of your clients. Alma is one of many of us who would vote again for President Obama. Apparently, the "caregiver" would vote for somebody else. That's fine. But let me make this point as an ordained Christian minister: When I have a patient in my chaplaincy who is Moslem,Jewish,Hindu,Buddist,etc. I capitalize on who THAT PERSON IS and not on my own opinions and beliefs. If I'm wearing clerical collar/Cross,the person already knows I'm Christian. Such differences,as I see it, are opportunities for loving connection not for conversion and never for insult.
May that "caregiver" feel your love and Alma's love and may he/she discontinue the snide remarks.
You are doing a phenomenal job & you just got stuck with one of your "Ol-Man's" prolonged Good Mornings. You are a treasure to Jo,to me,to more................
Love
Dad
Thanks to both of you for your support. Dad, I love your take on differences. That is exactly how I feel. Oh well, maybe this is an opportunity to model that for the staff at day care. Love you both!!!!
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