Let's Go for a Walk

this might sound horrible, terrible, inhumane, and like "what, this is our future of health care?" but hear me out...
Walking a patient is like walking a dog.
There it is, now to defend the previous statement. The parallel exists in that they seem to have instincts...always trying to go before you're ready or not wanting to move when you say okay. Both scenarios require constant reminders to stay safe. For example, the dogs need to be reminded to stop before you cross the street, don't lunge for the bigger dog we pass by, etc. The humans need to be reminded to push from the chair, reach for the walker, stand up straight, no, you can't put all your weight through the leg that has a fractured hip. I mean, really are we asking too much? Am I too demanding? Granted it sounds easier to walk a dog at this point, but if the dog were elderly and generally debilitated and suffering from either a fractured hip, CVA, or something of the like, fear of falling, decreased strength, ROM, endurance, hearing, sight, the list goes on, then I would venture to say we would just pick the dog up and carry it.
Trust me, I am torn. Part of me says, you gotta be kidding me these elderly people have been through enough, can't we just let them sleep in the recliner if it is more comfortable for them. Can't they pretty much do what they want? I mean they've made it this far; let's reward them for all the years of hard work, all the years of putting up with the crap of this world! Let them sit there and look all cute, don't make them get up and walk.

Then my better judgement kicks in and my highly trained mind overtakes the soft heart and I see with a new set of eyes. These eyes see potential! Think of how far they can progress; they do not need to regress any more. I want to improve that sitting and standing posture so they can function better and be more independent no matter if they are headed for the nursing home, a family member's house, or eventually back to living alone and taking care of themselves. Therefore, no, she shouldn't sleep in a recliner! Yes, we have to get up and walk and we're gonna do it again later. You better believe we are going to do ankle pumps, quad sets, glut squeezes, heel slides, and all those other lame-o exercises b/c they actually are challenging for you (amazes me that they are, but the fact that the weight of your own leg is enough to wear you out...) and we're gonna do them everyday twice a day.

So, I decide that at the end of the day when I've walked the patients and the dogs I am thankful for them both.
I enjoy the human personalities I get to see and interact with daily. I know even though this one can't express what he's thinking...I know he's wiley and I can tell when it's a rough day b/c the laughs aren't there, the eyes tell it all. And she is a strong willed one and knows enough medical terminology from all her doctors and therapists over the years to put a first year PT student to shame, but she needs encouragement too, she needs to be challenged. This other lady is sharp, she is a social bug for sure, her Red Hat Society blanket is proof enough of that and she remembered my name from day one and is always sure to tell me good morning. I like her.

Then back on the new homestead, when the roommates MIA for the day the dogs are a welcome friend to tell about the day. Slider is a great listener, all you have to do is scratch away and he'll stay close. Riley tries to act all big a tough, but after a while he wants a good pet-down too and will lean in for a good 2 minutes before getting distracted by the multiple holes in the back yard that need to be dug. Really, what do you smell down there? Does that grass really taste good?

In light of this I have decided for sure once I'm able, once I'm practicing on my own; I need a dog. A therapy dog, doesn't even have to be for anyone elses therapy other than my own, but it would be cool to raise a dog to use for therapy as well. A furry friend to come home to and then share with others who could use that sensory input, that companionship, unconditional love...oh yes, God knew what He was doing when he created dogs.

Ahh...the rain has stopped, the clouds persist, but for now anyway the drops have ceased. I think the dogs need a jog tonight, or maybe I do, either way we will get along good I have a feeling:)