I like to do everything I can to make this caregiving life as simple as possible! I’m in my 50s and my daughter with disabilities is in her 20s. We’ve been doing this for a while. Any time I can simplify family life, keep Carly more safe and comfortable, and reduce wear and tear on my body, I’m all about it!
I was giving Carly a shower when I thought, “What did we ever do before hand-held shower heads?” I chuckled at the recognition that this is a rather modern day convenience, and then whispered a silent prayer of thanks to God. My mind then wandered to various marvels of invention that I can easily take for granted, but have changed my life to varying degrees.
There are dozens of things we’ve incorporated into our household, lifestyle and daily rhythms over the years that have helped maximize my “autopilot mode.” Let’s be real. Autopilot is a form of rest when it comes to caregiving. The “efficiency geek” in me seeks out routines and conveniences that allow me to slide through the rigors of caregiving with as much ease as possible.
Some much-appreciated amenities at our house:
Hand-Held Shower Head — My grandmother’s jaw would drop at the sight of our dual-flow shower head.
Shower Seat — Can you imagine adult caregiving days without a stool or bench in the shower?
Baby Monitor or Video Surveillance System — We have Nest® cameras in Carly’s bedroom to observe her behaviors. Whether we’re watching TV on the family room couch, waking up to a “bump in the night” or dining at a restaurant with respite staff at home, we needn’t wonder if Carly is sleeping soundly. We can take a camera on the road for greater flexibility and peace when traveling, too.
Electric Toothbrush — Due to Carly’s sensory issues, she has always been more cooperative with dental care when the toothbrush vibrates.
Sippy Cups & No-Spill Cups — I still dream of the day when Carly will set a cup down on a table. Until then, these are a life saver!
Medication Organizer — I can hardly believe I used to stand at the kitchen counter every single night and dose out a couple dozen medications and supplements for the next day. I did that every single night. For years. The day I got a pill sorter box was the day my mental clutter instantly dropped multiple notches.
Handicapped Placard or License Plates — Though Carly walks independently, she has intermittent gait instability and other unpredictable vulnerabilities like seizures. More than a few times, I have had a bathroom emergency while shopping and been glad the car was close to the door for a quick escape! There’s no telling how many falls have been avoided and door dings prevented during two-person loading and unloading too.
Motion-Activated Nightlights — I upgraded our hallway and bathroom nightlights last year.
Multi-Functional Handbag — One of Carly’s sisters texted me a photo recommending the latest and greatest in backpack style. It’s actually a baby diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag. It includes everything from insulated pockets and grab-and-go tissue access to a USB charging port! And, it was on sale. Needless to say, I ordered it immediately.
Safety Gadgets — Doorknob covers and self-closing door hinges remain a necessity here.
Caroline’s Cart — If you haven’t discovered these special needs grocery carts at your local grocery store yet, they are a game changer!
Photo credit: Caroline’s Cart Facebook page.
Changing Table — When we remodeled a bathroom, we created a custom fold-down design that protects my back slicker than a whistle.
Dimmer Switch — This preserves the “sleepy” mood during a late-night diaper mess.
Smartphone Apps — Convenience doesn’t always necessitate technology. Nonetheless, there are certainly a wealth of resources available for monitoring and managing everything from medications, beverage intake, sleep logs and toileting patterns.
Online Care Coordination Platforms — There are now web-based portal systems for caregivers and caregiving teams that go beyond social connectivity. It’s now possible to have strategic and secure storage of medical and legal documents, shared calendars, care journals and permission settings so you decide what is shared with each carefully chosen care team member. Alska Connected Caregiving offers one I’m excited to try, expecting this will ease communication among our family members as we begin considering next generation care coordination.
Some things just make a world of difference, don’t they?
This is even more true when it comes to the convenience of my Bible app! I use YouVersion, an online mobile platform that helps me read, hear and regularly explore the Word of God. Although I still like to use the traditional paper Bible too, I’ve been using my electronic Bible for ease, interest and accountability. I often use it for my daily devotional or have it read the text out loud to me while I’m doing laundry, dishes or housecleaning. I choose a reading plan and set it to send me reminders. There is even a “catch me up” setting that allows me to reset my reading schedule when I’ve fallen behind.
Let’s face it, this caregiving life is intense! I am utterly lost without the power, friendship, security and hope I find in my relationship with Jesus. He encourages and guides me every day with His words. Here’s one favorite go-to verse that spurs me on when I’m feeling weak and alone:
1 Peter 5:9
Stand firm against the devil, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Oh, how I love that God brings His ancient truths and promises to my modern life so conveniently and intimately!
What about you? What are the ancient and modern marvels you couldn’t live without? Do you have any tips for young moms who are trying to figure out some routines and strategies for simplifying a complex life?
I’d love to hear from you. Let’s get refreshed together!
Lisa Jamieson is a caregiver coach, speaker and author of books and Bible studies. Her Finding Glory series of resources and children’s book on prayer called Jesus, Let’s Talk are popular among special needs families. She is co-founder of Walk Right In Ministries and leads the Minnesota Disability Ministry Connection. Lisa and her husband, Larry, have been married over 30 years and have three grown daughters. Their daughter, Carly, has Angelman Syndrome and lives at home with them in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
