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One of the goals for Gimpy Guide has been to support and educate. As I speak with new patients or those who have had mobility issues for a while, one thing keeps coming up....friends and family aren't sure what they can do to help. The following are 3 ideas that come up frequently.
1. Offer to help around the house
"What day would be good this week for me to come by and do a load of laundry, sweep or vacuum the floor, pick up the dry cleaning, go to the post office, change a light bulb, weed the garden, mow the lawn, take out the garbage....?" Trust us, we would absolutely love someone to dust that vent or ceiling fan (we never noticed they were so dusty until we couldn't do anything about it).
2. Schedule a time each day or week to give us a call and just check in
Sometimes, just knowing that there is a scheduled call can give someone the strength to push a little harder at physical therapy that morning or postpone that meltdown from frustration. We may feel more comfortable sharing if we are reached out to with those calls than placing the call ourselves. Sometimes, we may not answer but, we know you remembered to call.
3. Offer to take us somewhere
Having mobility issues is not only frustrating but, can be very scary. Have you ever realized how slippery the floors can be at a supermarket? Is it really necessary to spritz the fruit and surrounding floor several times a day? The lovely stadium seating at the movie theater is daunting with crutches or a walker. And, if your gimpy person indulges in the bucket of popcorn and accompanying vat of soda, they may need assistance navigating those same steps in the dark. Perhaps more than once.
Repeat as needed depending on how long your friend or family member is gimpy. Please remember; even those of us who have been gimpy for a long time or, expect to stay that way still need a bit of help. No matter the system in place, or how brave the face, there are still moments of frustration over tasks, fear that we've gotten in over our heads and worry to go places on our own.
And, thank you.
Well said!
ReplyDeleteIt is all common sense, but that has to be repeated over and over again because people forget to be common sensical
Dirk,
ReplyDeleteWhile it may seem to be common sense, I've discovered that many injured and disabled just aren't having their needs met. Apparently, friends and family members believe that someone else is taking care of things and so, the injured or disabled person's needs aren't met. Or, friends and family are unsure how to balance helping with honoring independence.
Thank you for the feedback.
You've made us aware not only in this blog, but past experiences, of the daily obstacles you are presented with that are common occurences to us. Its amazing how blind and unaware we are to those everyday frustrations and hindrances a gimp faces. Who thinks about shiny floors, set of steps, running to the store or simple housework.
ReplyDeleteYour ideas are well taken and hopefully will inspire friends and families of gimps to be more understanding and available.
Thanks for the inspiration and wisdom.