Elder Care-Elder Abuse-Victims of Trauma
The problems the elderly and caregivers are dealing with are many, and any real help for them, is getting harder to find. That's what this site was meant for originally, and it will be brought back to the forefront for those who are dealing with these issues, either for themselves, or their family members. Keep returning, as new information will keep being posted.
https://www.inspirationministries.org/
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf - Service Agency
http://www.agbell.org/
Deaf Connect
http://www.deafconnect.com/
The World Deaf Directory which has over 7,000 Deaf e-mail addresses listed.
American Council of the Blind
http://www.acb.org
Welcome to the web site for the American Council of the Blind. This service provides general information about the Council, including recent issues of our monthly publication, The Braille Forum.
American Burn Association
http://www.ameriburn.org/
The American Burn Association Website links to information and interactive communication on burn care and related research, teaching, rehabilitation, and prevention issues. This site also provides a private discussion group for ABA members devoted to the exchange of ideas, problems, and issues related to the National Burn Registry.
Burn Institute
http://www.burninstitute.org/
The Burn Institute is instrumental in organizing programs such as Burn Survivor Support, Burn Research & Treatment, Burn Education, Juvenile Firesetter and Community Service. Through the Burn Institute's grants, funding is provided for research projects designed to improve or develop new methods of burn treatment. Their website is dedicated to keeping those interested up to date on their current initiates and programs; they also provide resources and support for burn victims.
Widows Christian Place-If you have become a widow/widower, you may find some help here.
http://www.widowschristianplace.com/
Reposted from 2015
That’s just the problem. society and Christian TV has learned how to use every aspect of life, and turn it into a money-making opportunity.
The story-line, and the content is very carefully worded, air-brushed, sterilized and choreographed to get the most out of the broadcast. Author’s use this “cut and paste” method to make their books appealing, with the emphasis on an upbeat ending. They want you to purchase their next book.
The intentions for these programs and books are good, but as one who worked in health care for over 30 years, they lack authenticity. Much is omitted to make the subject matter “palatable” to the public, and send a heart-warming message that “God loves you”, and “everything will work out”.
The reality for many in nursing home care facilities:
Many elderly live in isolation, some who have long ago been abandoned by family members, or do not have any family; and live out their lives never seeing a visitor. I’m saying this from first hand experience.
Some live in abusive environments, and suffer from the affects of the abuses; broken limbs, black eyes, over-medicated, and more. I could share things that break my heart, but will not. Neglect, abuse, and brutality is an every day occurrence for some of the most vulnerable; young and old alike, behind closed doors. Sometimes we see the end result of these abusive situations on the news, after the abused is dead.
Many very good caregivers never tell the full scope of their exhaustion, stress, and what they endure daily. If they did, they know many would not believe it; or care.
If a visit to some of the nursing home facilities was made unannounced, especially on a weekend, it would be an eye opening experience. Just walk the corridors, look into the rooms, and pay attention. Watch the employees, and listen to them.
People learn to wear masks, and put up a good front. But if you are discerning, you can see through the smoke-screen and see the reality of a situation.
There are wonderful health-care facilities, and good loving home care environments. But, the reality is that there are also some that aren’t.
Many times during the 3 years my mother was in nursing home care, I or my brother would walk into her room in a late afternoon on a weekend, and find her bed still un-made, and she would be slumped over in her chair still in the rumpled slit-up-the back nursing gown that she had slept in the night before, and her hair uncombed. I would go through the process of bathing her, cleaning and making her bed, visiting with her, combing her hair, taking care of her hygiene.
When I was doing this, sometimes an aide would come in and pretend to be very surprised and say “Oh, I was just on my way in here to take care of your Mom, you didn’t have to do this.” I would do the best I could to keep my composure. I knew very well what the staff had spent their day doing; goofing off, and gossiping the day away.
There were many times I’d drive home with gut-wrenching guilt, because I could not take care of her myself at home anymore, because her diabetes had become too serious, and her feet needed doctor’s care every day. For many years I had taken care of other people’s mother’s right up to their deaths, but now I was helpless to do the same for my own. I was in free-fall myself. I had lost my husband to heart disease, sold our home, his business, and mine; and didn’t know when I was going to hit bottom.
But, God did give me the privilege of being there on my mother’s last two days on this earth. I walked into her room late afternoon the day after Easter in 2008. My brother was with her, he told me she was very bad, I already could see she was. As he left to go home, we looked at each other and I said; “I won’t be home tonight, I will stay with her from now on.” For the last two days I closed her door, and took care of her; only the nurses came in to give needed medications, and check her vitals. I would not allow people to look into her room, or anyone to make any remarks of disrespect. I took care of her personal needs to the end; including making sure her body was bathed after God took her.
He answered my prayer that I would be with her, and she would die with dignity.
Many caregivers can identify with these kinds of situations.
Yes, God does care, He is with us in the worst of these situations; but at the time, it can seem He is out of reach, unconcerned with our plight, and silent. In these times; it is all one can do sometimes to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and keep going. During these times, I clung to Him; also in silence.
I’ve heard scathing criticism from well known preachers and teachers who say this should not be the plight of any Christian walking rightly with God, there must be something wrong with your faith. I will only say this; read the book of Job, (especially the accounts of his three miserable comforters), and read the accounts of Paul’s sufferings, and what he tells us about it. Then go on your merry way. At least muster up enough compassion to leave those in these situations in silence without heaping further suffering on them.
Lorna Couillard