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Injustice
Where is the outrage over social injustices committed against people with disabilities? Anytime anything happens to a person of color or another marginalized group society cries out. But every day someone with a disability fights, even begs, for the ability to live just as independently as those without disabilities. We fight and beg for someone to make it so we can get out of bed, to go to bed, to take a shower, to go to the bathroom, and to eat and drink. Some even to breathe. Those who are lucky even get to leave their home and some get to work; but maybe not if you suddenly lose staff. When the fighting and begging doesn’t work anymore, or you are too exhausted to...
Read MoreTips for Recruiting PCAs
I often get asked for tips and advice for recruiting PCAs (Personal Care Attendants). I admit, I was once excellent at recruiting them and it wasn’t unusual for me to have a difficult time deciding on who to hire. Ah, those were the glory days. Unfortunately, due to a rapid decline in the state of the home care industry and the lack of liveable, adequate and well-deserved wages, the glory days are gone. Recruiting has been a never ending cycle and I have had an average of 50% of my positions unfilled for well over three years. This isn’t despite my best efforts. PCA jobs just aren’t as attractive these days, because people need to be able to provide for themselves and...
Read MoreWhat I Wish People Understood About SMA
If there’s anything I wish people understood about SMA it is the idea that I am not dying from it. Lately there’s been a lot of controversy in the SMA world with the story of Jerika Bolen, who at just 14-years-old has decided to end her life with SMA Type 2. While a lot of the arguments stem around the right to die, another significant source of controversy is stemming from the media making it sound like the disease is a death sentence. Even I say in my presentations that SMA can be life-ending for many. BUT, that doesn’t mean I am saying that the disease itself is what kills you. It’s secondary things that unfortunately sometimes SMA bodies can’t endure. Oftentimes...
Read MoreLearning To Say No & To Let Go
Elements for Taking Care of Yourself Learning To Say No & To Let Go These two concepts are the most important for taking care of yourself, but also the most difficult to actually put into practice. They are definitely not something you will learn and master overnight, but once you do and truly grasp that it is OK to say no and to let go of something, you will feel free. Trust me, I’ve been there. Saying no to people can be really hard for some people. It’s especially hard for us people pleasers and over-achievers. Yes, I admit that I was once one of those people. Well, still kind of am. I am just a lot better about it. People like this have a hard time saying...
Read MoreYou Time
Elements for Taking Care of Yourself You Time “You” time, does anyone even know what that is these days? Our lives have become so busy and chaotic that it seems few people have the luxury to know what that is anymore. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. So what is this foreign concept? It’s time dedicated to you, for you. It’s time when everything else in life takes the backseat, even just for a little while. Work can wait. Errands and chores can wait. Studying can wait. Your kids can pester someone else. It’s just you (and maybe some friends) for awhile. You time is completely dedicated to you as a way for you to relax, unwind, clear your mind and emerge...
Read MoreThe Importance of Putting Yourself First
Hello everyone! After a little break following the Essentials for Everyday Life series, I’m back at it with a mini-series about taking care of yourself. With all of the great opportunities that summer brings, it’s an excellent time to take care of yourself and even re-invent yourself. You’re no good to anyone else if you’re not good to yourself! Enjoy! Jen Elements for Taking Care of Yourself The Importance of Putting Yourself First The world has become such a fast-paced place that we oftentimes find ourselves so busy and so wrapped up in school, work, activities, family and friends that life passes us by and in doing so, we exhaust ourselves and burn...
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