The Dangers of the Mundane

Standing up and walking a few feet to pick up the phone or get the mail is for most of us just another mundane task we think nothing about. However, for many injured or disabled people, it can very easily be a life-or-death situation.

This is the reality of my father, a disabled man in his 80’s who, because of a disease I will not take the time to go into, has found himself with very little ability to control his motor functions. Due to this, he cannot eat, walk, or do much beyond talking on his own. For him, just standing up to answer the doorbell or feeding himself are insurmountable obstacles. This is not to say he does not try; in fact, he is quite stubborn and often attempts to handle tasks on his own, which usually results in him falling and hurting himself. I have many memories of my mother calling me at odd hours of the day and I always knew it was another call to inform me my father had fallen and was on the way to the hospital. Honestly, I do understand why he does it. Not being able to take care of yourself or really have any freedom must be very frustrating. 

I am mindful that this is a daily reality for many people across the DMV, often without adequate access to caregivers. Caregivers can actually mean life or death for people in need. If my mom had not been able to stay home as his full-time caretaker, my father would not have been able to continue to live in his home. Having access to caregiving allows people in situations like my father's to continue to live life, instead of feeling trapped and helpless. I don't think we, as a society, truly appreciate how important this work is to so many of our neighbors. It is the difference between being able to go about their day in a relatively normal fashion or struggling to make it through the day safely.

This is one of the reasons I am proud to support First Shift and the ability of others who care for their loved ones in the way my mother cares for my father.

• Name Withheld