Monday was International Nurse’s Day, a good time to recognize the Certified Nursing Assistants who provide care for my husband. I was able to give thanks to our Monday helper but, unfortunately, our Wednesday caregiver called in sick. The agency didn’t have a replacement and their scheduler apologized for the inconvenience. While I truly do appreciate the help, her apology didn’t set well with me because I am not sure she understands what not having them here means to me. It goes so much beyond an inconvenience, they have become my lifeline.

Without a caregiver I missed my yoga class, a key component of my self-care program. I go with a friend so it’s also a social experience for me. I missed my weekly trip to the grocery store and had to rethink my menu plan to make sure we were covered. I will have to fit shopping in another day while my husband is at an exercise class and it will be rushed which adds stress to my life instead of taking it away. All of the household tasks our Wednesday helper normally does for me will either have to wait a week or I will have to do them myself, again adding stress. Most importantly, that midweek break that I have come to depend on is gone.

I have tried to express the importance of these activities to everyone working at the agency and will again let them know how disappointed I am at losing their services this week. I know they are struggling to find good Caregivers and understand that they cannot control when folks need a day off. I just want to make sure they understand that it is so much more than just an inconvenience. Perhaps then they will try a little harder to have the support available when we need it.