ORGANIZING AS WE AGE
Organizing for an Illness or Recovery from a Surgery
By Joan Force, Linn County LIVING WELL Magazine
How could anything like this happen to anyone so young? At the age of 56, I found myself with a pain in the neck. Literally, my neck was killing me. It was mid-August when I found myself in urgent care. The pain then moved to my hips. I was in constant pain and had to give up a lot of organizing jobs and doing what I loved most, playing the trumpet. I saw a multitude of doctors, was given stronger and stronger pain medication and finally sent to specialists over an entire year. Finally, on Dec. 11, 2012, I had a total hip replacement. Finally, relief! Now, why should you know all this about me?
Because when we find ourselves in situations like this, it is time to understand the benefits of organizing
I had organized several clients’ living quarters for just what I had to do for myself. I remember saying to one client who was reluctant to remove piles of clutter and too much furniture, “What would happen if your husband had a heart attack and the ambulance crew couldn’t get to him across this room to take him to the hospital?” We de-cluttered that room that very day.
When getting a place ready for someone that uses a walker, wheelchair, or cane, whether it’s temporary or for the rest of their lives, it’s important to walk around their apartment or house with the apparatus. Make sure all doorways are accessible, all paths between furniture are wide enough, and don’t forget a bag, basket or tray added to the front or side of the apparatus will impact the distance.
Look over any information you or your loved one has been given as to necessary accommodations. In the bathroom you might need to install support bars and/or a riser on the toilet. Can towels, toiletries, even extra toilet paper be reached? What is needed to shower? Grab bars and/or a shower chair will often be a requirement. In the living areas are there chairs that fit the disability requirement and a place to put a book, magazine, drink, remote, etc.? Can everything in the kitchen be reached easily in cupboards and the fridge? What about the things to cook with and the food, are these items easily accessible? In the bedroom the bed may have to be moved to accommodate getting in and out on a particular side.
Anyone who will be providing any care or visits should be aware of all these things so they don’t get over zealous and start to put those things on the counter back in cupboards, or go to give a hug and move the walker out of their way.
Strongly encourage the person going through all this to ask for help and to keep a phone close by, in case something happens.
Review your insurance needs periodically. Will you have the coverage needed or the money for co-pays and deductibles if you, or someone you love, finds themselves in this situation?
And finally, if you are the primary care giver, be sure you allow yourself some time for respite and let others assist you as well.
It takes a village, as they say.
