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RESOLVE TO PAY AS YOU GO
By M. Cash
Another year has begun and many of us are focused on New Year's resolutions. Mine is to re-define this concept for all caregivers, even those who don't realize they are ones. Anyone who cares enough to give is indeed a caregiver.
A resolution is really just a determination or intention with a purpose or design - in other words, a resolve to accomplish something via persistence, steadfastness and pertinacity. Qualities all good caregivers possess.
This in mind, let's explore my proposed resolve for caregivers to Pay As You Go in 2004 versus Pass It On, Pay It Back, and even Pay It Forward.
The world operates on certain undisputable principles like synergy, momentum, living, & dying. Whether working together to care for others or the environment, we create a synergistic momentum - a cohesive force that binds all caregivers to a greater goal.
- Good communication between clients, family members & their caregivers usually results in better outcomes for all involved. Taking the time to notice, remember & relate are examples of Pay As You Go. Waiting until you have the time or energy is not.
- Everything alive is either growing or dying. These are the only two options. Caregivers can help facilitate both.
Talking/Listening to your client and introducing your resolve to respect their thoughts, ideas and beliefs is a Pay As You Go. You are paying them the respect and dignity they so richly deserve. Imposing your beliefs and values is not.
Reverence & remembrance when one of God's creations ceases to exist, like someone's cherished pet, is a Pay As You Go. A brisk or insincere comment is not.
The list can go on & on, but my favorite examples of Pay As You Go are the tiny ones. These are ones my clients & their family members seem to mention the most.
Since most seniors don't tolerate the cold well, here are a few Pay As You Go tips I have used…
- A warm washcloth offered after meals/feedings
- Putting the blanket in the dryer for 2 min. prior to assisting your client into bed is a great bed warmer
- Raising the room temperature before helping a client out of bed in the AM
- Turning on the shower to pre-warm the bathroom - always being careful to use warm never hot settings
Lastly, let's not forget that taking care of ourselves is another form of Pay As You Go. If you don't pay into the (your) system, you'll never have enough reserve to go the distance.
So, pay yourself a compliment, pay your loved ones a visit, pay extra attention to your clients' needs and resolve to Pay As You Go in 2004.
Gifts of encouragement given every day, passed out freely & in gentle ways are the best way to show everyone you meet you know how to Pay As you Go!
Editor's Note: We invite readers' comments or questions to Caregivers' Corner. Please submit them to our Contact Us page online or email to sdavis@innovativenursing.com.
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