“I have to say I never really thought about it,” Layla N. said. “I always assumed that my grandparents were, well, that they were taken care of somehow. That their situation was set.” When Layla’s grandmother, Marie, died after a long battle with lung cancer, Layla learned the truth. “They had no money. Nothing. My grandfather had spent every penny paying the hospital, for home health aides, for private nurses. To tell you the truth, I think some people take advantage. If my mother was still around, this wouldn’t have happened, but what are you going to do? No one was watching out for Papi. Now, it’s up to me.”
Layla welcomed her grandfather, Manfred, into her home. “Talk about easier said than done! Papi’s health isn’t what it could be.” Manfred uses a wheelchair, and requires assistance to get in and out of the chair. “When he wants to go to bed, I help him. When he needs to use the bathroom, I help him then too. It’s not working so well, you know what I’m saying?”
Layla hadn’t planned on becoming her Grandfather’s caregiver. Sometimes life surprises us with caregiving roles. In those cases we need to be able to adapt our homes and our lives to meet new challenges.
For example, Layla had a National Ramp System wheelchair ramp installed in Providence home. These strong, durable aluminum wheelchair ramps make getting in and out of the house easier. Providence wheelchair ramps need to be able to stand up to the elements: we’re expecting snow this weekend, after all, and it’s still October!
Another avenue to explore if you’ve suddenly become a caregiver is Surehands Lift Systems. Surehands Lift Systems are special devices used to help people move when they can’t move on their own. These lifts can be installed in any home. Surehands Lift Systems make it possible for Manfred to get in and out of bed on his own, and use the toilet independently. That made the new living situation more comfortable for both Manfred and Layla. Preserving independence and dignity makes adjusting to new living situations easier.
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