Reflections



This is a picture of a beautiful tree in my neighborhood.


I was headed to my local dollar store to stock up on some basics.  It's a lovely day and looking at this tree made me smile.  I love the pink color.  I was thinking how nice it was to have my care provider and just go to the store as needed instead of waiting for family or friends to be free and help.  So I would like to explain the type of living arrangement I have, and talk a little about what I think makes a good care provider, personal care assistant, helper, mentor,(just Do Not say sitter! I am not a Child) whatever the label she is an essential part of my personal and hopefully one day professional well being.


I have what is known as a Community Supported Living Arrangement or CSLA.  This happened for me because I had a fall due to my wheelchair malfunctioning and some major changes that happened too quickly for me to deal with alone.  The social worker helping me with my case petitioned the regional Developmental Disabilities Administration http://www.ddamaryland.org/ to provide a budget for me.  This budget helps with lots of the extra things such as lawn care and incontinence products.  The next step was to choose an agency to oversee my care.  There are several agencies that can provide care. I chose my local Epilepsy Association. http://www.eaes.org/ I felt they would be the best ones to allow my individualism and my not make me get rid of my four legged children.  If you are searching for an agency you must decide for yourself what fits you best.  Be careful and do your homework.  Gather as much information as you can.  Talk to consumers and families if possible.

Then I was allowed to chose a person to help me.  I had worked with my provider through another agency during a short term issue.  I liked her and my family liked her.  She works hard and does her best to keep me comfortable.  What's better is that she has become a friend. 

When I worked with other people with disabilities, I used to ask them if they were happy and did they have friends.  Often the person with the disability would say their care provider was their best friend.  We would think "What a shame this person's best friend is someone paid to be their companion"  It's not necessarily a shame.  I have a few of my own friends that are not paid to be friends.  I consider my care provider my friend.  A care provider can do his or her job without being friends sometimes.  But a provider who is a friend cares and sits at the hospital when you are sick.  She makes sure your family is notified.  She listens to your worries.  She makes bread pudding for you just because she thought you'd like it.  When she comes to your home, she talks to you about you and about her. She expects a listener, and a friend in return.  We are new friends but hopefully we will be longtime friends.

I am writing a lot today.  Forgive me and take care