Caregiving is a calling. There is a huge need for caregivers – honest, reliable caregivers. Sometimes it’s a matter of the patients themselves making their needs known.
When we first got together, Katherine had developed an infection in her ankle and she was in the hospital on IV antibiotics trying to keep it from going systemic. Her recent caregiver had developed health issues of her own and was no longer able to assist. Katherine needed someone immediately and God knew it.
Katherine needed assistance with many things – bathing, traveling, paying bills, shopping – but the immediate need was to get her home. Fortunately, a friend was able to bring his vehicle so she could recoup at home instead of in the nursing home. That’s where I came in.
The infection in Katherine’s leg was severe. Dressings needed to be changed every day, and I had to be most careful not to pick up the infection myself or contaminate her further. The wound was deep and required specific topical antibiotics as well as wound dressings to prevent the bandages from sticking. It was challenging and a painful process for her.
Because of diabetes, it took several months for us to get the leg healed. However, God was faithful to help her wound close and not let the infection spread. We were so grateful.
In the weeks that followed, we worked on getting the fluid buildup in her legs to abate. This has been an ongoing issue since her injury. Although compression hose are difficult to put on, they are necessary as they provide strength for her walking. The stress on her legs with the compression hose causes pressure wounds. No matter how careful we are, they seem to reoccur. We pad the ankle with gauze and use sterile cloths or rolled washcloths. Taking the compression hose off at night is key to keeping them away, but it’s a difficult and painful process for her at the end of an already long day.
Caregivers, we’re struggling together in our calling. If you would like to contact me, you may reach me at [email protected].
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