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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Readings of new plays by local playwrights featured ... Ticket availability ... Our View: Trying out the turf ... Readings of new plays by local playwrights featured ... Ticket availability ... Our View: Trying out the turf ... MOCHA MUSINGS Mocha Musings: In praise of recognizing the caregiver Comment By Susanne Severeid DailyTidings.com By Susanne Severeid Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 6:26 PM By Susanne Severeid Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 6:26 PM » Social News I just read an article about Ai-Jen Poo, author of "The Age of Dignity: Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America." She talks of the importance of recognizing caregivers in our society, both the professional and the at-home family member. I remember when my late husband was in a rehab center for three weeks after an operation. And I remember how he spoke of one nurse’s aide in particular, a young Indonesian man whom I saw several times because I was able to visit my husband every day. This young man was so respectful and caring with my husband and, oh, how Tony appreciated and valued that. And yet, I am fairly sure that this hardworking aide earned very close to, if not exactly, minimum wage. I am sure he went home dog-tired every evening, and I am sure that there were days when he was very much under-appreciated. But I remember him with such fondness, for he helped to make an unbearable time of our lives bearable. His training, dedication and compassion gave my husband hope and helped him retain his personal dignity at a time of great vulnerability, both physical and emotional. And it allowed me to leave each evening and drive the 1 ½ hour distance back home with some peace of mind. Caregiving, whether for a child, parent, spouse or partner, demands the very most of what we can offer up in life. I remember times during the last years of my husband’s life when I was so bone-tired I could barely think straight, times when I had not the moments to do even the smallest things for myself. Times when I was sure I would drop first. But I kept going, as we do. Why? Well, because when you love someone, that’s what you do. Which makes it all the more remarkable when paid caregivers, for whom it is a job, give so much of themselves and bring such care to their work. The simplest tasks that mean so much when one can no longer do them for oneself: tying a shoelace, bathing without being in fear of falling, the simple act of eating. Shaving my husband was one of the last things I shared with him the day before he died. That is a sweet, though difficult, memory for me, and the caring touch I was able to give to him as I softly smeared the shaving cream onto his cheeks and chin and ever-so-gently traced the razor over a barely-there stubble was like a last embrace on the deepest level for both of us. I suggest we learn to honor the caregivers of our culture. That we recognize the struggle and tremendous strain that it places on everyday families who regularly must call in late to work because Grandpa, in some stage of Alzheimer’s, refuses get into the car to go to day care. Recognize those who work at the lowest rung in convalescent homes, lifting heavy burdens and holding hands, simply imparting the human touch so vital for all of us. I write this to recognize those who do their job well, for we have all heard of abuses in such situations and that is unconscionable. Our elders and infirm are dependent and need us. And as the baby boomers continue on the inevitable path of aging, this will — as is already evident in Japan and other countries — become increasingly evident. So, let us take heed now. Let us make sure that those in such paid positions are properly trained and reasonably compensated . Let us make sure that those giving care to loved ones at home are not burned out to the point their own lives become a shambles. And let us, as a nation and as a people, honor our responsibility for an aging nation. For, no matter what Botox ads may suggest, we, too, will grow old. We, too, will die. The only question is: how will we spend the time between now and then? And won’t most of us want a gentle hand to hold ours when we have reached our own point of no return? Award-winning author, TV presenter and world traveler Susanne Severeid is an Ashland resident who enjoys making time for the important things in life — including mocha. For more, go to www.susannesevereid.com. Email her at [email protected].   By Susanne Severeid DailyTidings.com By Susanne Severeid Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 6:26 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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