Unfortunately, my blog this week
is a sad one, but it was one that I have been expecting to write for some time
now (although that doesn't make it any easier).
Last week one of my long term,
Intensive Interaction partners died from Covid-19. Anthony was a man I have
known for well over 20 years. He was a man that helped me learn so much about
how to positively and genuinely connect with someone who has profound levels of
intellectual and physical disability. He was someone who, at the very start of
my professional Intensive Interaction journey, helped me develop my deeper understanding
of the rationale and practices of the approach – he made it all so easy for me!
I owe him a lot; I hope I have repaid that in some way by helping many
other people like Anthony experience the positive social inclusion afforded by
our approach.
But Anthony wasn't someone whose
character was limited by his profound levels of impairment, quite the opposite;
his sense of open and inviting sociability filled a room. He was always a
genuine pleasure to be with; his enticing smile and raucous laughter both
highly infectious (perhaps that's not the most PC of terms to use at the moment,
but it’s no less true now than it was before). He will be greatly missed by all
those that knew him and cared for him.
I was so very sad to hear of his
passing. I was equally sad for all the members of his care team – some of whom
I have also known for many years, and for whom I have the greatest respect and affection.
It is hard for us on the outside
to truly imagine what it is like to work under such physically and emotionally
draining conditions. When I left some flowers at the house I could only wave at
them through the window (they were fully gloved, gowned and masked up as they continued
to care for the other residents in the bungalow); it seemed like an impenetrable
barrier to our sharing our collective anguish. My heart goes out to them, and to
their own families who will be currently struggling through the effects of pandemic.
When we are clapping on a Thursday
night, let’s make sure you give an extra round for all our residential carers –
I know I will.
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