Things I Felt While Actually Providing Care

Hello. I'm Maana, a caregiver.

Today, I'd like to write about my experiences working as a caregiver.

The hospital I previously worked at had many patients with paralysis due to the aftereffects of a stroke.
As I assisted them with their daily lives, I keenly realized how much healthy people utilize both hands and feet in their daily lives, and how much those with hemiplegia or impaired hands struggle.

Dressing and preparing oneself with only one side of the body is very difficult and time-consuming. Even something as simple as buying a drink from a vending machine can be a struggle just to open a wallet if one's hands are impaired. Even walking straight can easily lead to losing balance, so there's a risk of falling and getting injured if one is not careful. The patients worked very hard on rehabilitation, but I saw many instances where they had to give up things they used to be able to do due to their illness.

I always thought, "If there were more convenient tools that better supported the patients, they might be able to live as they did before..." Tools that assist with walking, such as canes and shoes, are covered by long-term care insurance, so those who qualify for care certification can use them relatively affordably. However, the real goal is to enable them to continue their life-enriching activities and fulfill their roles as members of society beyond just being able to walk. I strongly feel that "we need things to assist with actions beyond just walking."