Speedy

I woke up this morning with a memory of a Deputy who I used to work with at the Sheriff’s Office that used to call me “Speedy”. It sounded cool when he said it because he had a New Zealand accent. In my position in Records Management, I always felt like I was in “go” mode with multiple tasks to complete, deadlines to reach, meetings, assisting other agencies, etc. I remember times just walking into work already feeling like I was behind and it could feel overwhelming. There were days as soon as I would walk in the door, someone was waiting for me needing help with something. Of course, there were quiet days, but for the most part, there was always something going on. I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night remembering things I didn’t do or stressed about deadlines coming up, and tasks that I needed to add to my to-do list. The funny thing is I thrived on the craziness and chaos. I loved my job and it made me feel like I had a purpose.

Fast forward to now and you could still call me Speedy. I still feel like I’m in “go” mode most days. My mom says I move like a flash some days. My life is kinda like the Sheriff’s Office environment with mom and dad. I never know what drama can arise and who I need to call for backup – Hospice, Wellmed, EMS, my brothers, or all the above. Be sure to constantly reassure them to please remain calm everything is going to be alright (Be sure to yell because they are not wearing their hearing aids). Know your audience and adjust your tone accordingly you may have to use Verbal Judo (we trained on that at the Sheriff’s Office) if (you can count on it) they give you attitude. Validate their complaints (I mean concerns) and try to redirect the conversation. Most importantly, we constantly go over the rules (the laws of Dlo) that we make sure we are drinking our water every day, that everyone is aware of where mom is at all times and what she’s doing because she cannot be alone, make sure you are taking your medications, do not answer the home phone if you do not recognize the number because it’s probably a Spam call, don’t forget to get the clothes out of the washer/dryer, and the list goes on and on.

Be sure they understand that if they don’t follow certain rules, there will be consequences and they will be reported (ratted out) to the proper authorities (their nurses & physicians) at Hospice and Wellmed. You will receive backlash as a result, but just remind them that you have their best interest in mind. I’m essentially like a Peace Officer because mom and dad are my “community” and I’m here to protect and serve them.