As the primary caretaker of my father I have and need numerous supports. I would like to first like to discuss the technological and mechanical equipment I need and use to the many tasks involved in his care. My telephones and computer are tools that support my ability to communicate with my father and the many service providers involved in making sure he is as healthy and comfortable as possible. I use them to set up and confirm appointments, send emails and to create correspondence. Without these tools I would have to spend a great deal of time going to and fro arranging appointments and meetings. My car is used to transport my father and myself. If this support was not available we would have to depend solely on transportation services provided by the Veteran's Administration, which would result in a great deal of lost time waiting because pick-ups and drop-offs must be scheduled and do not follow any set pattern from day to day, varying based on the riders being served on any given day. Equipment such as my father's scooter and wheelchair, hospital bed, stair lift and body lift supported efforts to keep him mobile within our home.
There are many people who support me as well. My family provides emotional support and relieves me from time to time of the responsibility of the daily care of my father. If they were not available to talk to I would not have anyone to act as sounding boards, to offer input about the different issues, or to just listen. I would not have anyone to laugh and play with. I cannot imagine the amount of stress and frustration I would find myself dealing with if they were not available. I trust them. They encourage, comfort and love me---- unconditionally.
Additional support comes from the doctors, nurses, patient advocates, and other staff at the Veteran's Administration. They provide care and resources that address my father's medical concerns and help me care for him effectively. These people share their expertise and help me do a good job of being a caretaker.
When I am working, there are home health aids that come in to address his needs, supporting him and me while I do my job. If they were not available, I would have to quit my job or have my father admitted to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
I cannot imagine being without any of the supports I have described. It isn't often I think of all the things and people in place that help me do all of the things I need to do, but without them every day would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to manage!
