I just had a request. Someone asked me to pick up some petite fours. I had a vague recollection that petite fours were pastries but at a complete loss as to what they looked like. So I googled it.
Boom. There they were in all their splendor. Small little square pastries that had my mouth watering immediately because as we all know it’s all about the sugar for me. Forget about the bass.
It struck me how easy that was to instantly get the information I needed. I remember when I first dipped my toe into social media and my social media guru kept telling me google is your friend, google is your friend. Slowly but surely I gave in and googled more and more. I reached out across the internet and social media with questions and found instant gratification. I became addicted pretty fast and now don’t even think about it. If I need info, I google!
I found this ability to get information and clarification invaluable as a caregiver. Obviously there are pitfalls to any online searching and exploration (sadly not all of the world is kind and generous) but in general, with an attitude of always checking out multiple sources, I found everything from what to feed my Dad when he had no appetite to finding support groups for myself and others.
I also became a huge fan of YouTube! I found how to’s, amazing videos about everything from Dementia to 8-minute tai chi instructions, and hilarious videos that kept me sane when I was lost and freaked out.
I was even able to adjust a medication that my Dad was on that I believed was affecting his appetite. I looked up the side effects of the medication online and bam there it was. Loss of appetite. I called his cardiologist (which I was not a big fan of but my Dad liked him) and pleaded my case. Couldn’t we reduce the dosage and see if we could still have it be effective but perhaps get his love of food back? The doctor actually tried to tell me loss of appetite was not side effect and I told him I was looking at the manufacturer’s website and it was there in black and white. After huffing and puffing a bit, we lowered the dosage! The drug still did its job and guess what? Pop started eating with more enthusiasm! Take that Mr. Doctor!
So take advantage of the great Caregiver Weapon that’s right there at your fingertips. Don’t forget to take some things with a grain of salt and always use due diligence and good research before making any big decisions but get in there and get informed!
Google and the internet are your friends!
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