When we are in school learning our craft we have the idea that we can fix everything. We get taught what to do, such as specific exercises or hands on techniques to make the physical changes needed to fix any problems.
Arthritis of a joint or joints
If there is arthritis, we need to strengthen the muscles around the joint and increase the range of motion to alleviate pain. This will improve function as our person gets stronger and moves easier.
Painful muscles or nerve pain
If there is pain, we figure out what is causing the pain. We then use manual techniques to relive pain in a joint or muscle. Once the pain is eased we are supposed to strengthen the muscles involved as well as around rhe problem to fix the underlying issues and the real reason for the pain.
Strokes or TIA
If it is neurological, like a stroke, we need to strengthen the good side to assist the stroke side. We also need to utilize neuromuscular techniques to improve the function and movement of the stroke side. We will then be improving function and movement to as independent as possible.
Infections and hospitalization
If it is just general weakness from being in the hospital with an infection, overall strength and movement and they will be right back to where they were before they got sick.
Recovery is not so easy and straightforward
As good as that sounds coming out of school we can quickly realize that it does work most of the time, but not always. The hardest part is when you try everything you know, and even some new tricks from coworkers and nothing works.
Sometimes the stroke is too bad. As much as we try every thing we know the nerves and brain just will not carry over. The movement just does not come back. It is not only frustrating to the resident but also frustrating to you. You might even second guess yourself if you tried everything. Why did it not work? Sometimes we don’t have the answer.
Sometimes the arthritis is just too bad. As much as we know we can make a change. Sometimes the joint is just too far gone and the only way to fix is surgery. No matter how much we increase range of motion and improve the strength, the function just does not come back.
Unfortunately we have to realize there are some underlying medical problems that are just too much to overcome. As much as it should be an easy fix, the body just cannot compensate any longer and the previous medical problems have gotten worse.
The hardest decision is to realize we have done as much as we can
This is where the hardest decision comes in. When have we hit “maximum benefit”. That is such a hard to truly understand concept. We know that even though just working with someone is very beneficial for them in all aspects of their health mentally and physically, we can’t just keep working forever.
When have we hit a plataue in change? When have we truly stopped making adequate progress? When is it time for a restorative program or family training?
Not only hard for us, but family also
This is not only difficult for us but for the resident and their family also. Some times we just have to look hard in the mirror and realize we have tried everything. Most times this is more difficult for the family. There has to be a grieving process to allow for the idea to sink in of we tried what we could. Believe me we want everyone to get better…..it is very hard to make the decision to stop.
At times it is completely taken out of our hands
There are also times that no matter how far we take someone in their recovery…..their body just can’t do it anymore. That is by far the hardest. When someone passes away that you have been working with hits very hard. That is especially true when they have been doing well and suddenly they are gone. We don’t always get the feeling that something has gone wrong. We leave for the day and come back to work and they are gone. Remember to appreciate every moment you have…..we are not promised tomorrow.
