Caregiving in an emergency
Hi ,
I don’t know about you, but my Labor Day was spent glued to the television keeping up with the latest news on Hurricane Harvey. Commentators were genuinely overwhelmed by the devastation, yet with all the talk of heroic rescues, no mention was made of the toll this catastrophe has taken on caregivers and those they care for.
Caregiving is hard enough under the best circumstances. I sat and watched as homes were swept away and tried to imagine myself being forcibly uprooted; abandoning all the medications, bandages, equipment for special needs and the comfort that being in your own space provides. I pictured myself in one of the evacuee rescue centers, crowded beyond belief, desperate to find cots for myself, my husband and his elderly mother. How could I create a safe space for them? Good hygiene would be essential—but virtually impossible to come by. Routines that brought them comfort would be unthinkable. How would I do it?
With all the articles about people, businesses, belongings and pets, no one has touched on the challenges caregivers are facing—and I’m sure there are thousands of you out there with stories to tell and we’re here to let you know you haven’t been forgotten.
I wish there was something we could do. I know there’s a TV special next week to raise money for the thousands of victims of Harvey and Irma; but where will the money go?
What we can do is listen to those of you going through this incredibly difficult time. If you can, please write and let us know how your coping. What challenges are you facing? What kind of help are you receiving? What do you need to create some normalcy in the face of this natural disaster.
I need you to know my heart goes out to all of you, and you are constantly on my mind. I feel powerless trying to grasp what I would do if I lost everything and had to put on a brave face and continue to care for someone in this dire situation. It’s impossible to put myself in your shoes.
Let us hear from you. Your voices need to be heard. We can certainly try and help you with that.
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