The winter of 2014-15 has proven to be both the best of times and the worst of times. With a one-two punch, Old Man Winter inflicted property damage on tens of thousands of New Englanders as well as extensive personal injury, from which many — myself included — are still recovering.
My humble abode, tested by the historic snowfalls, failed miserably. “Majestic” ice dams and four feet of compacted snow on the roof thawed sufficiently to leave water stains throughout the house, a storm window that hangs precariously out of its frame, and a denuded kitchen cabinet, still shedding the effects of a voluminous cascade of water.
Lady Luck, however, was in my corner. My insurance company responded quickly, dispatching an adjuster and, then, a team of diligent workers, from Minnesota, to steam-melt the ice dams, clear the roof, shovel paths to my doors, and spread recently-purchased ice melt.
Another team from the “land of 10,000 lakes” sported moisture detectors, and they unanimously decided that my kitchen could be salvaged without demolition and reconstruction. Hooray! “Moderate remediation” was what I sorely needed to hear, because throughout this morass, winter’s second blow had left me incapacitated.
A wet, wooden floor, stripped of its soggy mat, took advantage of my momentary distraction. I was down for the count. The force of the fall broke my wrist in the most common of ways, and suddenly I had a disability (a Colles fracture) for which I was ill-prepared.
The school of hard knocks, however, was ready with a few lessons. I would like pass these along to my health care providers:
- Keep in mind that although you deal daily with scores of patients, this is a first for me. Please use both care and empathy.
- Take aside the patient who needs help completing the four-page registration form and cannot respond sotto voce. Affording her privacy and confidentiality avoids embarrassment for all of us.
- Provide cap-less pens!
- Upon initial intake at the urgent care facility/emergency room/doctor’s office, remove all rings from my injured hand so that they don’t act as a tourniquet.
- When you do grind off my diamond and gold rings, please offer a word of sympathy. And give me time to safely store these treasures (a challenging maneuver with one hand).
- Offer to carry my coat, purse, or splint as we move from the holding area to exam room to x-ray to exam room to casting to waiting room.
- Without my asking, offer a protective, lead apron and collar every time I get x-rays.
- Offer a paper drape to protect my clothing from casting dust.
- Provide information on dealing with limitations of movement. How do I handle personal hygiene and daily routines for four weeks and not lift anything heavier than a piece of paper?
- Provide recommendations for physical activity and diet. Calcium and Vitamin D, I know, are essential for bone health. I have heard that elderly patients deficient in protein have more complications after a fracture, including loss of independence, institutionalization, and even death. Anything else?
- Offer suggestions on how to reduce frustration and discouragement. Above all, be aware that as a senior, living alone, I may need extra guidance and assistance.
I also have a few suggestions for fellow sufferers:
- Food: Consume extra calories during the first few weeks because your body needs the fuel. Avoid cans and jars. Buy low-salt, low-fat, prepared entrées, divide them into smaller portions, and cook in a microwave or toaster-oven. Buy fruits and vegetables that don’t require cutting. Buy small containers of milk, juice, etc. And don’t forget a special treat.
- Clothing: Bypass your tight-sleeved cardigans and opt for a shawl or cape. Keep your housecoat slightly zippered and step into it. Underwear: You CAN wear a bra. Fasten the snaps first and slip it over your head. Practice patience.
- Personal hygiene: Sponge baths do the trick. Think about getting a professional pedicure. Loosen caps on lotion bottles, toothpaste, etc. Hair: Lower your expectations. No way can you style your hair with one hand. Have a hairdresser or volunteer wash/blow dry/set according to your normal procedures. When you are able, use a lightweight, travel hair dryer.
- Medicines: The pill caddy, forget about it. You can’t refill it. The most dexterous toes and knees are no match for childproof caps. Have a volunteer loosen them or set up a several-weeks supply.
- Emotional well-being: Stay engaged with friends, family members, and neighbors. Listen to your favorite music and watch LOL movies or TV programs to your heart’s content.
At my colonoscopy, two days before the accident, I smugly replied that I hadn’t fallen in years. One careless slip later, and I am forced to think outside the box. Fortunately, new challenges are good for aging brains. And the kindness of strangers? It’s most welcome as I continue to fight the good fight.
Sally Ann Connolly, a retired school counselor and author of three books, puts a spotlight on health, education, and lifestyle issues. Her website is www.neverbetter.net.