Home Health Aid

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I looked up services available in my area when I came in from walking. You see, I got tangled in my clothing. What was routine yesterday was a nightmare today. Since it was cold outside, I was putting on a third layer. The thermal underwear was first, followed by a knit top, then a pullover sweater. I pulled, but the sweater didn’t come over where it should have. Golly Pete! I couldn’t get it untwisted. I could see something was wrong at the front, but I couldn’t see how it had twisted itself in the back near my neck. My arms weren’t long enough to reach anything meaningful. I pulled and I tugged. It would have been ironic if I’d broken out in a sweat. The thought of going across the street to beg Shawn to undress me was humbling. Get a grip! You’ve GOT to do this yourself! Take a deep breath and start over. What a struggle to get the offending arm freed! Good grief! The back had rolled itself up, and the seam that should have gone under my arm was viewing the scenery from my shoulder. I couldn’t replicate that if I tried. When my clothes were on straight, I went out to walk about five minutes late. It was too cold for Joyce to be outside, so being late did not matter.

I had a long mile to think about what had happened. I’ve decided that if I can’t dress myself three days in a row, I’ll call Care Services for Aging Adults. They say personal care service is, “Assistance with bathing, grooming and dressing promotes independence, keeps vital routines in place and helps people age in place with dignity.”

I’ll think more about it. I don’t want to age in place – sounds like a treadmill. I want to age on the go, with dignity intact. That’s a big order when I’m laughing at myself.

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Published by Anne Mehrling

I'm a retiree who loves to write about life in the mountains of North Carolina.

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42 thoughts on “Home Health Aid”

  3. I am glad you were able to resolve the issue yourself.

    I think it is smart of you to realize you may need help. So often people are stubborn and don’t get the help they need.

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  6. you can call me any time day or night and I will be right over! Now will I be dressed at that time or still have my Jammie’s on ?? 🤣

    Age is just a number !

    Liked by 3 people

  8. This cracked me up because it made me think of the struggle I had a couple of days back when was getting dressed after a shower and got my bra in a tangled mess and thinking I can’t ask anyone for help because I am home alone so get a grip Jo-Anne and take it slow, I managed to get it on.

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  10. It may be that particular sweater that gave you problems and other/bigger shirts sweaters might be easier to get on. I think giving it three days is a great idea but maybe have someone on standby in case you need help.

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  11. I finally got rid of a turtleneck sweater that never fit right. It was a knitted sweater and the bottoms were wool, like a wool pantsuit. It was warm, but the head opening was too small and they surely should have known that when creating it. Too many times I struggled getting it over my head, so I said “no more”.

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  14. I like your plan. Clothing can really get a person. My worst back injury ever happened when I was putting my boots on about five years ago. Glad you finally got untangled.

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  15. Age or is ir really age, just creeps up on us and suddenly pops up its head. My problem is that when I get out of the shower and try to put on my towelling robe I get one arm all tangled up. I’m seriously considering giving up the towelling robe and just using a towel to dry as most people do. I’m not aware of an agency that will come and help you dress but it certainly worth looking into Anne.

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  17. Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. The fact that you exercise is wonderful! You still have your NY coat. I still have my warm German and Austrian coats and sweaters. I layer and laugh to myself as I count how many layers I have put on to face the outdoors! Good for you!

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      1. I keep a fleece sweatshirt at the foot of my bed for extra warmth at night. That Norwegian sweater at the foot of your bed might be an extra layer of warmth on cold nights! oxox

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  18. I’ve done that. The trick is to know which sizes are snuggest. Put them on first. The bigger, simplest pieces go on last. You just need a plan, anything with a hoodie goes last. Oh yes! Pee first!!!!

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