(((((((((((((((((((((( S C )))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry for the loss of your client. I also work in social services, but with those who are disabled. Sometimes, they too become homeless and it's a struggle to get them into a safe environment and to help keep them healthy. Most of the folks I care for have either family or court appointed guardians to make decisions for them, yet some of them are their own personal guardians.

Unless they have appointed guardians, there really is nothing one can do when they make poor choices (or what we perceive to be poor choices). All we can do is council them, support them the best way we can and help them to pick up the pieces. There are times when they make choices that are out there....and we wonder how in the world they could do that.

Many years ago I was a caretaker in a nursing home. I had my first experiences with death at that time and it was oh so hard to work through. It broke my heart when their families never came to visit, or when they didn't even want to be notified of the passing of their own family. I would be so angry!!!!

Eventually, I learned that our involvement was limited yet very important in their lives. I learned that we cannot control the inevitable....we cannot control what others do or don't do for themselves. I also learned that what we CAN do and DO do for these folks is very important to them. Even if they don't see to reason....or don't acknowledge our help or take our advice, it doesn't mean that you weren't a stable and helpful force in their life.

It's so hard to watch people we care about and try to help care for make decisions that often times are hurtful. And it's a learning process for us to work through these times when it all falls apart. Know that your heart is what makes you right for the job. It's because you care that makes the difference. Whether or not you can work through these hard things will determine if you continue in your quest or change your direction.

Wishing you much strength and love as you process through this difficulty. Please remember that you did everything you could do......and that counts for a whole lot even if it didn't turn out the way you wished it had.


sabby