It takes a village to be a caregiver

What a beautiful phrase and so versatile. It takes a village (fill in the blank). You can say anything, even nonsensical stuff and someone somewhere will sagely wise their head in agreement. So it takes a village to be a caregiver (all nod now). A caregiver interfaces (I love tech speak) with all types of people in a variety of situations. The secret is bonding them to you and your cause (your loved one) and getting everyone on the same page. Here are some tips:

Medical personnel

1. Just because you read a reader's digest article on an ailment does not mean you or your loved one has it, nor are an expert on it.
2. Take a moment to say Hi to the staff. Believe it or not, the person in the next room may have just yelled at them, puked on them, spit on them, peed on them or all of the above. You take that moment to set the tone and it will give you some control over the interaction.
3. If your loved one is in the hospital, see if you can stay with them. If not, enjoy the break and leave a set of instructions. Those little notes are worth their weight in gold.
   
4. Don't assume anything, write notes, ask questions, but become a partner with the medical team.
5. And remember like all relationships it takes work. My Dad's poor doctor was screamed at in a hospital and called all kinds of vile names. The reason, his patient had enough and was ready to go, his daughter's were not ready and blamed the doctor.

Emergency Workers

1. Firemen and policemen can be our best friends.
   
2. At the end of my mom's life they were calling them so often they volunteered to change the light bulbs so my parent's wouldn't try and climb a ladder, fall down and call them. Proactive these guys are.

Grocery Store

1. I don't know about you, but the grocery store seems to be the one place I take my Dad frequently. They all know us and work with us.
2. I spent a little time with one of the cashiers and explained my Dad and our situation. Now, they open up lines for us so Dad doesn't have to wait. They also understand if I leave in the middle of the shopping (or checking out). They just hold it until Dad is changed and then load it in the car.

I take every opportunity to talk about this wonderful journey we are on and do my best to involve those we interact with. Everyone I come into contact knows that my Dad is with us and takes a moment to talk to my Dad and have an interaction. This alone enriches my Dad's life and those that interact with him. If my Dad has a conversation I can see how virtual strangers light up and feel that they have done something special. Which they have.