Hello and a good Monday morning to you all once again.
Has everyone else endured the relentless greyness of sky that’s been the weather in my locality all weekend? It hasn’t been inclined to add much cheeriness to life. Finally on Sunday afternoon (just before the light was due to fade anyway), the clouds parted a bit and the sun peeped through. Welcome, but far too little, too late.
To begin, a very warm welcome those who joined the Care Community last week. Whatever brought you here, I hope you’ll find us a welcoming and helpful group, and we welcome any of your comments or questions and are happy to have you onboard.
I’d already had an idea or two in my head for this post, but that changed a bit after there was an unhappy post from a regular contributor who’d had a really long and frustrating wait for nursing services to come and help with her husband’s catheter. It raised some thoughts on how unsatisfactory it is to try and get help within a reasonable time, when it’s so badly needed.
It really is exceptionally trying, especially because carers are doing their utmost to help someone else, and it’s a really bitter pill to swallow when you are then taken for granted and left in a situation for far too long, often worried and frustrated. I wish there was one practical step that could make it all better, but although it’s been recognised at the highest levels that something has to be done, and better help must be put in place, it’s far too slow in coming.
It was good last week to hear from another regular contributor with an update on life since she lost her dad. It’s always good to have people stay in touch when their Caring role is over. Firstly because they have a wealth of knowledge from their Caring days to share with others, and because we also become firm online friends through regular contact, and it’s sad when that ends.
On the other hand, I do know and understand that sometimes the whole topic of Caring is completely off-limits for a while, as you readjust to having a life of your own again and work your way through your loss. But whenever you feel ready, we’re very happy to hear from you.
Does anyone but me get a bit intimidated by new household appliances? For the past few days I’ve been trying to make friends with my new oven! Ovens can definitely manage to have the last word, burning that cake which always baked perfectly well at the same temperature in your old one. I’m trying to tame this arrogant beast, as it sits in superiority at one end of my kitchen, gleaming and blinking its lights, daring me to try and see what it can do to a Yorkshire pudding!
In closing, I thought I’d just post a link to the NHS website on catheterisation. I took a look following on from the posts over the weekend, to see what it had to say. I don’t always think that the NHS website gives the most comprehensive information, but on this occasion I found it to be quite informative and easy to read. So for anyone who's interested, here's the link:
nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-c...
I hope that, in the main, everyone managed to have a good weekend, but in cases where it wasn't so good, then I hope there’s a better week ahead for you.
Very best wishes to you all.
Monday Round-up