Like any normal person, I much prefer the planned hospital stay over the call an ambulance type of hospital stay. Planned stays are organised, usually well in advance with prior approvals sought and everyone knows their place. Everyone knows what is going to happen and paperwork is complete prior to admission. So when Paul’s breathingContinue reading “Bad Medicine Part 1”
Author Archives: The Care Factor
Sorry’s Not Good Enough
The four year anniversary of Paul’s accident is drawing near. I still remember it all like it was last week but the pangs of grief are now a distant memory. How far we have all come from that moment when all our lives were turned upside down, inside out and a couple of skid marksContinue reading “Sorry’s Not Good Enough”
You’re So Vain (you probably think this blog is about you)
Paul is pretty damn lucky. His physical and mental needs are looked after by an elite team of professionals that seem to have the winning formula for providing rehabilitation and support work. We have a bunch of people who work closely together, get along, have a common goal, like a team should (not just toContinue reading “You’re So Vain (you probably think this blog is about you)”
Dr Feelgood
One of the last Case Conferences I had with Paul’s medical and therapy team before he was officially discharged from hospital was an absolute hoot. A Case Conference usually comprised of Paul’s neurologist, his Case Manager, the Physiotherapist, the Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist, Dietician, his LifetimeCare Coordinator (insurer) and, of course, me! We were huddledContinue reading “Dr Feelgood”
All Apologies
When I was 18 years old, I watched my mum drive her mother in-law every week to the cancer clinic. My grandmother, who lived with us and helped raise my brother, sister and I, suffered with skin cancer that metastasised and spread all over her body. She had some pretty harsh radiation treatment that causedContinue reading “All Apologies”
Shake a Leg
I always thought Paul should have been a Police Officer. Those that know the old Paul well should be laughing hysterically at that admission. But my husband was a backseat driver and wouldn’t hesitate to let me know if I was going even a single kilometre over the speed limit. It got worse as heContinue reading “Shake a Leg”
Helping Hand
Sitting down with one of the Occupational Therapists at the brain injury unit, we brainstormed some of the key elements to choosing the right care agency for Paul and our family. These people were going to be in our home and imposing on our privacy. So if I wanted to walk around the house nakedContinue reading “Helping Hand”
Touch the Sky
“I told my husband, if he was in an accident and fighting for his life, I would pull the plug,” came the words of my cousin as we sat in Paul’s room in the brain injury rehab unit. Whilst her words may be confronting to many, I’m sure there are many who would have thoughtContinue reading “Touch the Sky”
Craving Love
I have been struggling so much to write this blog. I have written, re-written, deleted, screamed, kicked the chair, made a coffee, re-write, delete, made another coffee, had a shower, played a game on my phone, delete, re-write, counted the tiles on the floor and then do it all over again. Why? Because I’m soContinue reading “Craving Love”
Feeding the Frustration
Barbecues were our thing on the weekend. Just about every Saturday or Sunday Paul and I were entertaining family or friends, sometimes both together. A case of beer, steaks sizzling on the barbecue in the backyard and I’m inside preparing an array of side dishes and salad. Lot’s of people have their signature dishes andContinue reading “Feeding the Frustration”
