Tonight's picture was taken in January of 2009. That week we took Mattie to New York City for him to start his experimental treatment. In between hospital runs we did all sorts of fun activities with Mattie. That evening, we took him to Times Square and the theatre, where he saw the Lion King. Pictured with us is my lifetime friend Karen, our NYC support team. You have to love Mattie..... despite all he was going through and being pushed around in his wheelchair, look at that smile!
Quote of the day: A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. ~ Steve Maraboli
This morning, my dad had his first session with his new personal trainer, Teddy. I decided we needed to pursue this route because we have maxed out on physical therapy sessions. Or I should say, my dad has plateaued and therefore doesn't qualify for more sessions at this time. So in order to maintain his strength, abilities, and endurance, his physical therapist and I discussed the next best option.... hire a personal trainer. But not just any trainer will do. The trainer has to be someone skilled with older adults and one with dementia. That requires a certain skill set.
Before my dad was discharged from physical therapy in December, his therapist gave me the name of a private company that could potentially work with my dad at home! The company is Renew Me Fitness. I did follow through with the company and one of their therapists did an evaluation of my dad in December. Which led to our first session today. My dad will work with Teddy twice a week, for an hour at a time. I know this is the right decision because my dad doesn't respond to my direction regarding physical activity. He complains, acts out, and isn't compliant. However, he won't do this with an outsider. Since keeping him mobile is key to keeping him living in our home, I have been adamant about bringing Teddy in!
The company did a great job matching skill set and personality! Teddy LOVES his job, loves interacting with people, and spent a good portion of his life living in California. He just moved to the East coast in October. So he has a lot in common with my parents on that front. Teddy was easy to talk with and he got my dad doing exercises for 60 minutes. It was a full body work out and I watched the entire process. I am hoping this will be a positive addition to our week.
Teddy said was he was impressed that my dad could do all the exercises he presented. Not just do them, but did three sets of 10, for each exercise. He said that most clients my dad's age can't do this, which led him to his next comment. He feels I am doing a great job at keeping my dad moving, active, and engaged. I typically don't get any positive feedback, so getting this unsolicited compliment was deeply appreciated. It takes GREAT effort to prod my dad to do anything, and I am relentless about doing cognitive exercises and a walking routine daily. Not to mention that I get him out almost everyday either to his memory care center or out to eat. Caregiving is so much more than hygiene, bill paying, and laundry. It also involves social stimulation, driving around to appointments, and encouragement to engage with the outside world!
As tonight's quote points out, there is a lot to be said for compassion and kindness. They can turn one's day around on a dime.
No comments:
Post a Comment