This
fundamental truth does not change with the care facility era.
Recently
I have found myself in conversations with a newbie to the care facility era
about cell phones.
As I
type this my mouth is still hanging open over the thought of leaving my cell
phone at home by error much less on purpose daily. … Years into this I still
take my cell phone into the bathroom with me, just in case Patti's care facility calls.
Having
faith in an institution is wonderful but that is an assumption and we all know
what happens when one assumes (Assume = Ass out of U and Me).
24/7
care has not changed that I try to be reachable and ready to respond 24/7.
I get
that confidence can seem coolly detached and may even be encouraged but if the
door swings both ways then the other side would sure seem cold-hearted to me?
Practically
speaking something could happen to an escort/companion from a care
facility. How would they even recognize that the personal medical history is
wrong? Case in point, about two years ago Patti was taken to an orthopedic
specialist except her ‘professional’ facility companion brought someone else’s
x-ray.
Calling me on my cell phone
while she was still there I was able to talk them through how to find the
correct x-ray on line so the appointment could be successfully completed –
otherwise the whole trip either would have been wasted or worse.
I even
have mine programmed for a specific ring tone for Patti’s care facility so if
driving, in a meeting, or in the shower (I can always turn the water off) whatever
it does not matter – I answer.
My phone is not even 'smart' it does nothing except send and receive calls.
Kids! They have a whole new way of thinking.
Kids! They have a whole new way of thinking.
Patrick Leer
Health Activist:
Caregivingly Yours, MS Caregiver @ http://caregivinglyyours.blogspot.com/
My Lung Cancer Odyssey @ http://lung-cancer-survivor.blogspot.com/
care facility
multiple sclerosis
caregiving
You're so right. The facility has to be concerned about hundreds of people, but We only care about our ONE. My mother's home has every one of our numbers, and in bold print on the front of her binder it says 'call family immediately!' We've run into problems with temps that fill in for vacations. They panic, call the doctor 'on call,' who doesn't know my mother, and between those two they try to make decisions. No, no, NO!!! Call me, and let me tell you what needs to be done. Yes, having phone access is absolutely essential.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Muff
AMEN!!!
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