Are you or someone you know a caregiver for a Family member? How informed would you say you/they are?
Ever since I was a little girl, being on top of everything that had to do with my Grandparents was my job, and I mean it literally. I was the only one who spoke English, therefore I was the only one who did
paperwork, appointments, meetings, and basically anything that wasn't in Spanish. It's something I did with pride and love, it was an honor to listen to my Grandparents and Mom brag about me... since I was 6 years old translating at the grocery stores ;)
Needless to say that when my Grandmother passed, my Grandfather's health became more of a concern to us all. A couple of years ago my Mother called me and said my Grandfather fell off the stairs in Mexico and broke his body. Quickly I got on the phone, EMT, insurance, Immigration/Border Patrol, trying to figure out how to transport my Grandfather from Mexico to San Diego. His vacation had been rudely interrupted by a fall.
Thanfully my husband was EXTREMELY understanding and shuffled our kids and his Job in the Navy without ever complaining (out loud). 28 days straight we were in there, and I literally only left once for 2 hours.
Yes, I was miserable. Yes, I was tired. Yes, I was angry, resentful, lonely, missing my kids, BUT above all, I was also the Grand Daughter to a man that had 14 children, none of who could care or be there for him. It was my job. After our 28 days, we were moved to a rehabilitation center/nursing home. I swore to him I wouldn't leave his side because he was afraid. This tough man who raised so many, who seemed terrifying to the naked eye, this man who was now so frail he hated himself. We stayed in there for 4 months. My children would be with me from 9am-5pm. They loved the attention they would get from staff and guests, to them it was fun. To my Grandfather it was a piece of home. Once his insurance would not pay for his stay, we had to move him out. Where to take him was the question, my house? My house with 6 kids and an inground pool? I didn't think so, as much as it was suggested, I could not do it. So instead he moved in with my Mom, who lived 6 blocks from us. I was at her house every day, from 7am-10pm. Nurses taught me how to change his garments, diapers, transferr him to his wheelchair, bathe him, but I refused to learn how to change his catheter. Some things are better left unseen ;)
During my year of being his caregiver, I was lost on a daily basis. I knew what meds to give, when to give them, and how. I knew what appointments he had, and what battles he was going to win and lose in getting there. I didn't know about any resources. I didn't know about tips, suggestions, other people like me, other people out there who knew what I was going through or what items I needed. I wish I had known about Comfort Plus back then.
My grandfather is now living with one of his other children, and them being a primarily Spanish speaking Family, it is very helpful to know that Comfort Plus is dedicated to the Hispanic Community. They have a Bi-Lingual section called Comfort Plus Para Ti.
I know I am not the only one who has felt alone in a world full of knowledge, only because the language barrier is SO loud. This is why I was so happy to be able to do this post, to help others not be as lost and alone as I was. A company I gladly can turn to because they have made it their mission to not only facilitate things for OUR Family, but for our entire Culture ;)
In the recent release of the white paper, The State of the Hispanic Caregiver, it speaks about the Hispanic population increasing...
According to a White Paper The State of the Hispanic Caregiver just released by medical supplier resource company Comfort Plus, there are roughly 4,000,000 Hispanics over the age of 65 in the U.S. By 2050, elderly Hispanics share will almost triple to 17 percent from 6 percent in 2005. The report hones in on the role of Hispanic caregivers who on average are significantly younger than their non-Hispanic counterparts. Hispanic caregivers are much more likely to live with children or grandchildren (48% compared to 32% non-Hispanics), but they tend to report the most stress factors from caregiving.
Of particular focus in the White Paper is the fact that 9 out of 10 caregivers interviewed cited that they need more information on a variety of caregiver topics and managing incontinence issues, was a top concern.
Here's a way of saying thank you to my readers:
Discount code: Use LMB2012 at checkout for $10 off any case of Tranquility products
Check out this company if you or someone you know is caring for a loved one, because not only Hispanics need resources ;)
This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and ComfortPlus Online. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
what a nice post - thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI use to work at a nursing home, I would sit for hours after work and talk with some!of the residents there. I loved it, there is so much we can learn from the elderl
ReplyDeleteaw, I remember those days when you were living in the hospital, how my heart broke for you girl. You are truly a blessing to your Family.
ReplyDeleteI remember when you lived there with your grandpa, i remember how we used to wish you would go home for a break, but none of his kids would watch him youre a really cool person Lily
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