Hail To The Caregiver!

 I have been MIA for the last two weeks and want to share my Crash Course in Caregiving.  On July 14th, My sweetheart, Kirk Bertelsen, was riding his dirt bike at the Sand Dunes by Delta, Utah, when he had a fluke accident and broke his back.  He was life-flighted to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center where he quickly became their "Miracle", and mine.

   That is him, on the left, exiting the bike in the crash. Our son-in-law had his Go-Cam on his bike and was riding behind Kirk when he got this picture.  The crash was not anything to shout about, in fact, Kirk says he has hundreds of crashes that were much worse than this. (And this is supposed to bring a wife comfort?)
   Kirk suffered a "burst" fracture on his 12th thoracic vertebrae. If you think of a windshield getting hit by a rock and shattering, that is what happened to the vertebrae.  As it shattered, pieces of it pushed into his spinal column, occluding it by 50%.  This is why he could not feel anything from his belly button down for a while.  No feeling, no movement.
   Once at UVRMC, the extent of the injuries became clear and surgery was scheduled for the next morning.  Dr. Paul Gardner was our surgeon and miracle worker.  After a nine hour surgery he came to give us the wonderful news that everything went the best possible way it could.  The physical responses in Kirk's legs even improved during the surgery!

Kirk taking his first steps after surgery.

  Over the next few weeks we have spent more than our share of time in Neuro-Trauma ICU and a few days on the fourth floor before finally bringing him home last Monday. He is walking.  He relishes the fact that he can feel every little pain in his legs and feet.  He knows he has been given a miracle and he has embraced it fully.
   I was scared, but confident, about bringing him home and caring for him.  After all, I do facilitate 3 Caregiver Support Groups each month and I have taught the UCARE classes several times.  How hard could this be? I had every piece of equipment I have extolled the virtues of to caregivers, I had a supportive team of family and friends to help, I even had every Orem City Firefighter, Paramedic and Police Officer at my side for ANYTHING that I may need (thank goodness for the brotherhood) Really, what could go wrong?
   Let's just say that humble pie is delicious.  Let's also say, "Dear Caregivers coming to my classes, I love you, and understand MUCH more of what you are going through on a daily basis." As Kirk and I have talked about the "why's" of this situation, we have discussed how much more I have learned and can share with caregivers.  We are certain this is not the only lesson we will take away from this, but I know how important it will be for those in the trenches of caregiving.  It is one of the most difficult, stressful, back-breaking, beautiful, wonderful things.  Hail to the Caregivers!!

*If you would like to know more on Kirk's story you can go to 

Bert's Big Ride

How Do I Know If My Loved One Qualifies for Hospice?

 For some years, society has placed a stigma on the word "Hospice". Some believe Hospice is a place you go to die. Others think that "Hospice" starts in the last few days of life. Some people think Hospice care is too expensive. And, yes, there are a few who thought Hospice had a magic pill that will end life for their loved one.

Let's address each of these beliefs individually so that YOU will have a clear and correct knowledge of Hospice.

1. Hospice is a philosophy of care for end-of-life.  The patient is at the center of this care.  Their wishes are of the utmost importance.  The Hospice team of a nurse, aides, chaplain and social worker, with the patient and their family, make a plan of care to meet the needs of the patient and keep them as comfortable as possible during this time.  If the patient requests no medications, the Freedom Home Hospice team is able to alleviate pain with our Namaste Care program using touch, taste, smell, sight and sound.  It is a unique program that very few agencies utilize but we have found that it can truly make a difference for the patient and their family.

2. Hospice care can start when a Doctor has stated that given the admitting diagnosis and its natural progression, there is approximately 6 months left in life for the individual.  Now, nobody can pinpoint the day and time someone will pass away from this life, and I have seen plenty of patients live well pass two years and still qualify to receive Hospice benefits. The Doctor is only giving an estimation and that is the main qualification to qualify for the care.
   Think about being able to have that extra help with your loved one and their personal cares, medications and pain control.  I like to think that the longer a team is able to serve a client, the more comfortable the client will be with those caregivers at the end-of-life.
   Yes, many times we begin care in the last few days but the Hospice Benefit through Medicare or Private insurances is intended to provide that care in the last six months of life.

3. Hospices care is paid for, 100% through the Medicare Benefit or through private insurance.  With the Medicare Benefit, this is something that those who have paid into Social Security have paid for throughout their lifetime of employment.  It is there for every individual, no matter your age.  For those younger terminally ill patients who perhaps have never reached an employment age, Hospice can be paid for through private insurance.  Either way, please call us to let us help you understand what benefits are available at 801-225-3377.

4. I have had a few people ask me about the "Magic Pill" that Hospice has to help their mom or dad on their way out of their life. I can assure you, there is no magic pill! Being married to a Police Officer, I am pretty certain that administering anything that would end someone's life is illegal and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  With that said, the Hospice Team's goal is to keep your loved one comfortable and in as little pain as possible.  Think of it like this.....Our team gets to become a valuable part of someone's life, at the end of their life.  They get to make their life as comfortable and pain free as possible.  They will be an advocate for the patient and their loved ones, helping them all make and understand decisions during this most precious time.  The team truly loves their work and realize that the one they are caring for will pass away.  This will end their job, and their paycheck, for their care. Why would any Hospice team want to see that end?

In conclusion, Hospice is all about living every minute of your life to the fullest.  Our team is highly trained and specialize in caring for terminally ill patients.  It is a bittersweet situation to be in, but we choose to be there.  We choose because of our love of and for people.

Diary of A Diabetic's Wife: Caregiving

   Over the years of seeing Roger live with diabetes has brought about many feelings from my point of view. One is being the caregiver.
   Years ago I didn't think as much about it but now that we're older and I'm seeing the difference in his health I worry about what the future holds. Is he going to live to a ripe old age without all the complications of diabetes? Is he going to drop dead from a low blood sugar reaction and me not being there to help him? Is he going to go blind? Is he going to have to be on dialysis? Am I going to be a widow at a young age? Are we going to be able to do the things we always dreamed of doing in our retirement?
   When we were young and still having children I had always wanted 4 but the thought continually came to my mind that I didn't want to be left a widow with 4 children if something happened to Roger. So we decided 3 kids was a good number. These types of thoughts plus many more are what goes through the mind of a spouse with diabetes. Are they normal? I'd say yes. I've talked with other spouses who have told me the same things. The worry never ends.
    I guess we just take one day at a time. Nobody knows what God has in store for us. All we can do is have faith that all will be well.
   How do I deal with these feelings?  These thoughts? Well, first of all pray. I pray for patience, understanding, love. I want to be sympathetic to all his ailments.
   Over the years, I learned how to draw up his insulin when he used to have shots. I've learned what I need to do in an emergency with low blood sugars, I've learned the signs of his low blood sugars such as confusion, personality change, his nausea, etc. The only thing I haven't taken the time to learn is his insulin pump. I know it's something I need to learn how to use since I'm his caregiver.

   Needless to say, I am glad I've been blessed with a husband who sincerely cares about his health and does everything he can to try to be healthy. I know he worries what the future holds for him but he's doing everything in his power to prolong the inevitable.