Continued from page 1
If
person lives alone, and you’re a neighbor, think of things like bringing mail or newspaper to front door, walking their dog, or watering their lawn. 5. Share your own stories.
Anyone who breaks something generally feels a little foolish for having done so. Since breaking my ankle I've heard story after story of "it was just a little stone" or "I just stepped off a curb wrong" that made me feel more "normalized."
6. Offer to help them up from their chair.
Strong arms pulling you up are much more reliable than using crutches. It also saves energy, and removes any chance you’ll put pressure on injured limb accidentally and cause pain.
7. Do not distract them during hard job of moving from one place to another. It is hard work and takes constant vigilance.
A person on crutches must be looking at walking surface constantly -- floor surface (marble, cobblestone), rugs that might move or curl, any spills on flooring, obstacles, anything that might hit damaged limb and cause blinding pain, anything small and furry that might move and trip them ...
8. Make it possible for them to elevate foot or leg.
Move a chair or table around for them, get up and move yourself. It throbs as soon as it turns downward.
9. Ask them about temperature of room.
We dread sweating, because ... if you've ever had a cast, you know why, which brings up point #10.
10. If it's happened to you, say so, and then ask to help.
It's particularly comforting for someone to say, "I know what it's like, so please let me ..." And also share what you’ve learned. The learning curve doesn’t exist. It was someone who’d been on crutches herself who pointed out to me that mine were set 4” too low.
None
