theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 46 The demands on caregivers are enormous-particularly when the patient is a family member or dear friend. For many, suddenly they are drafted into a position where there is no preparation, no training, and no ability to set boundaries or say “no” when too much is expected of them. I have seen this countless times and recognize that wanting to care for someone isn’t the same as being able or even capable of so doing. As society ages, more and more is expected from a support system. Hospitals and rehab facilities as well as sub-acute nursing homes are understaffed and unable to provide what was considered bare minimal care. Suddenly, spouses, children, and siblings are called upon to do everything for the patient short of charting the meds. Cleaning the room, doing IV infusions at home, and reporting important information are now expected. The guilt is enormous for those unable to keep it together. Setting boundaries may be the key to being successful when a loved one is in extremis. Perhaps the caregiver must let the medical center or facility personnel know of physical or emotional limitations; the caregiver may need to bring along their own source of support; asking for a social worker or patient advocate to provide guidance may be a window into these limitations caregivers frequently feel. Loving a parent, spouse, sibling or child doesn’t mean one is comfortable or even capable of all that may be expected. Post-hospitalization may be a roller coaster for a period of time. The feelings of elation when the patient is released may soon morph into the reality that much aftercare is required. That will hopefully be ameliorated by skilled visiting nurses, physical and occupational therapy, and speech therapy. But if more is required, speaking up-and loudly-may be necessary. In that case, reaching out to the physician, their assistant, or office manager to navigate the return home may be an important tool to assist in recovery. Please remember that although much is expected of caregivers, we can say we need more help. Say it loudly and proudly because your goal is to support the one you love…and that is what this time of life is all about! The feelings of elation when the patient is released may soon morph into the reality that much aftercare is required. SENIOR CORNER Caregivers May Need Care Themselves By Ellyn Mantell CREATIVECORNER Organization Inspiration for Your Stash By Carolyn Hanson Process 1. Identify existing projects: those with yarn and pattern and add to the spreadsheet 2. Identify yarn without patterns - Use Ravelry, pattern books, etc. to locate possible patterns and add to spreadsheet 3. Collections - Keep collections of the same yarn or manufacturer together 4. Odd Balls - Create several labeled bins by needle size, such as: 1-4 (lace, baby, sock, fingering), 5-7 (sport, dk), 8-9 (worsted, aran), 10 +… (bulky, super bulky). - Reorganize the yarn in the Temporary Bin by needle size. Find the needle size on the yarn’s ball band. Needle size roughly identifies the yarn’s weight. [Organizing by needle size allows you to easily match a pattern to available yarn.] Once all is organized and labeled: - Stack bins and place in a dry area away from humidity and odors - Keep a copy of the spreadsheet in the storage area for easy reference. Take a photo with your phone for reference during future shopping sprees - Maintain the spreadsheet, adding and deleting entries as projects come and go Sell/Donate/ Toss: - Sell yarn on eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and Ravelry. Make sure yarn is free of odors and damage. Sell for 1/2 - 3/4 of purchase price plus shipping costs. - Donate yarn to local groups that knit for charity, rummage and garage sales. - Toss damaged goods, bits and bobs. This is Part 1 of a two part article. Stay tuned for Part 2 in the April issue! Oh, we love to collect yarn. We impulse buy at shows, festivals, closeouts, vacations, new shops and sales in the hopes that the perfect project materializes. I have purchased a few skeins, “just because.” I refer to it as inspiration. Speaking for myself and the size of my stash, there is much waiting for the “perfect project” or let’s be honest, “any project”. Recently, a dear friend, M, asked if I could help her organize her yarn closet. The space included bins, project bags, shopping bags and a closet organizer, all now emptied onto every surface in preparation for a true Marie Kondo culling and organization. Yarn in every color, fiber, and quantity lay in wait. Here’s what we did. M’s Objective: - Organize by project (yarn with pattern) - Label all projects and place in bins - Identify patterns for unassigned yarn bundles - Identify One-BallWonders (Odd Balls) and either keep, sell, donate, or toss Supplies Needed: - Bins (various sizes) - Markers, pens - Labels - Note Book and/or Excel spreadsheet Initial Step: Select a bag/skein and decide…Keep/Sell/Donate/Toss Next: Add “kept” projects to the spreadsheet*, place single skeins into a Temporary Bin Next: Place “kept” projects in labeled bin * With each project, make an entry into a notebook/spreadsheet. This provides an inventory of what is available and other details including: Yarn Name, Fiber Type, Weight (DK, etc.), Grams/Yards, # of skeins, Color, Pattern name, Needle size(s) Needed, Status (Work in Progress, New Project). Toss eBay, Etsy, Face book Market place and Rav odors and dam age. Sell for 1/2 - 3/4 of purchase
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzA2NDY0