Posted by Willow on May 7, 2003, at 11:33:19
In reply to Re: work and other things ...Willow, posted by lostsailor on May 6, 2003, at 5:54:11
It wasn't too long ago that in some societies caretakers were thought of as witches, to be shunned or used with secrecy. The same went for people who were different in some way from the norm. Just yesterday, my nine year old saw on television a family with a disorder that caused excessive hair growth all over their body, including their faces. She commented that she wouldn't like to be like that. It would make her feel embarrassed. In my opinion, this shows that at least society is taking steps into the right direction. But how far have we come in regards to our caretakers??
They are paid less than others with similiar education and because many are paid through government funding are the first to be cut back when politics dictate. The frontline workers often are doing shift work, working longer than the standard eight hour shift, and are subjected to abuse from the ones that they are helping. Add into consideration the risks with just doing those jobs; mental burn-out, they are humans with emotions; physical injuries from numerous causes. And then there's some palliative and crisis intervention positions that are considered volunteer postings.
Not too long ago, we paid people to open doors. Workmanship from this past generation still is around, because people built with their hands. We need to slow down. Make a 30-hour workweek be able to support an individual. Consider time spent with someone in need as a valued contribution to society that is needed, not a luxury.
I'm just rambling being a daughter who's mother is a caregiver and father is one in need of care, plus falling somewhere halfway in between the two myself.
Wondering Willow
poster:Willow
thread:223776
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030506/msgs/224867.html