TECH SUPPORT

Eighty-two year old “Earl” came onto hospice a few days ago with a diagnosis of Debility and Decline. That is a diagnosis that does not have a specific illness related to it, but when someone is becoming frail and needing help to assist them with their daily activities and care. Typically, it is someone elderly whose body is just tiring out.

Earl has lost forty pounds in the past few months as he can no longer swallow. He agreed to a feeding tube, but still cannot take in much nutrition. Earl was widowed three years ago and lives alone. He has two adult children who live locally and are very involved with his care and needs.

I called up Earl’s daughter, “Karen”, to set up my first appointment. After we set a time and date, she shared how she and her brother, “Dan”, each, in their own way, help their father. She said that her brother handles all the detailed needs and finances. He pays their dad’s bills and arranged for twenty-four hour attendant care. Dan handles all the paperwork; legal and financial. Karen says she is the nurturer and gives hugs and holds her dad’s hand whenever he needs. She then added the technical term she uses to describe her and her brother’s individual role in caring for dad.

It works well for this family. I will be meeting with them tomorrow for the first time, and know ahead, that it will be a pleasure working with such a loving, supportive family.


TECH SUPPORT
　
　

He had been independent for over 80 years
until his body started to slow him down.
He is becoming frail and needing more help;
no longer able to do the things he once enjoyed.

He has difficulty swallowing anything with ease.
The doctors cannot find a cause.
He’s lost over forty pounds these past few months,
succumbing to a feeding tube to meet basic needs.

He’s been widowed a while and adores his two kids.
Their love is mutual as they are always around.
Each have their distinct roles in helping him out.
Specific tasks fitting perfectly to their personality type.

He’s the engineering one tackling tasks that need to be done.
He’s comfortable with numbers and specific details.
She’s a good balance with her nurturing heart.
At ease with emotions and tears that may flow.

They both are aware of each other’s role.
Both available with their unique love.
He is the hardware; she is the software;
Tech support mixed with love,
       available
              whenever he needs.