For instance, my most recent project has been developing a care plan
for a two-year-old little girl who has severe brain damage from
meningitis. After talking to the auxiliaries about her daily cares and
their time commitments, I learned that they realize she spends too much
time on her back, but they don’t know how to position her differently. I
also learned that my best shot at increasing this little one’s quality
of life is in finding a volunteer to dedicate herself to her therapy and
bring others on board as well. Since then, I have been overwhelmed with
the support and interest of staff in the well-being of this little
girl. Last week at their request, I sat down with the doctor and head
nurse to discuss my thoughts on her functioning and what could be done
to give her the opportunity to progress. I was also able to spend a
morning working with Libia, resident super volunteer, taking pictures
for positioning and stretching programs she and the auxiliaries will
implement. It has truly been wonderful to see everyone come together to
make this little girl’s life better, and I think it is a very concrete
example of what can happen when everyone is on the same page working
together for a shared purpose.
Libia trying her hand at some of the new stretches
- High tech positioners (burp rag, anyone?) to keep her thumb in a better position and prevent contractures
If this much good can transpire in one week, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next.
To
top it all off, this little guy, who received new braces from Keely and
turned two last week, walked solo for the first time today! Life is
good.
-Abby
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