Guest post by Lulu Flatt
My 90-year-old mother took a fall on her lower back and was bedridden for three months when I first stepped up as caregiver for her. Her doctor advised her not to move until she felt strong enough to do so and even then, to do so in small, slow movements. Being laid up in bed presented quite the challenge for both of us, particularly, since she could not get up to use the restroom. First, we tried a pad. However, it leaked all over the place. So we bought a rubber blanket to cover the bed. Then came the Depends.
The Depends worked out really well, except when it came time to remove them after a bowel movement. I knew I had to cut them off at the sides, but when I pulled them out from under her, I realized that, because they were rubbery, there was a slingshot effect. Ack! Caregivers be warned! (You’ll also go through a ton of wipes so have a trash can with a lid at the ready.)
As the days progressed, we had to find lots of new ways for her to do things such as drink coffee or eat a meal without it drooling down her face or running all over her. Peas just rolled off the spoon and onto the blankets. We finally solved her drinking problem, if you will, with a curved metal straw stuck into a lid on a small thermos of coffee. Since she could not properly sit up to eat, mashed potatoes with the vegetables mixed into them or Shepherd’s pie made with meat worked out best as did anything that didn’t need to be cut, such as a piece of chicken. Oatmeal or toast and a hard-boiled egg for breakfast. You got it, something thick, not runny, or something she could grip.
Meanwhile, I had to do absolutely everything for her. Clean the house, cook, feed her, give her water, do laundry, get the mail, field visitors, answer the phone, do paperwork, pay her bills, and keep her friends and family informed of her progress. As a result, I developed an undying appreciation and compassion for all caregivers.
Ultimately, I bought her a walker, and little by little, I got to see my mother sit up in bed. First, with my help, then on her own, and finally leave it (after an extraordinary physical effort) for short periods of time, which kept increasing until—confidence restored—she now no longer needed the walker.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
I Peter 5:7 NKJV
Lulu M. Flatt, (yes, that’s her real name), is a Christian author, writer, and ministry leader. She is currently at work on her 27th nonfiction book for the Lord, tentatively titled The Christian Caregiver, based on her experience from this blog post. She is absolutely committed to loving God and helping people. For a FREE ebook and to join Lulu’s discipleship ministry, visit A Christian Journey.
Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness. A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 28 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, produces a newsletter for writers, and does freelance editing. But her most important job is Grandma to five completely unspoiled grandchildren.
