Hello, DCAL! It’s Kelli here, perhaps the most “seasoned” 29-year-old you’ll meet, often seen fluttering around the center with a blend of energy and old-soul wisdom. For those who haven’t met me, I’m the one who lovingly refers to her roommates, a.k.a. my grandparents, as my ‘kids.’
It’s been a whirlwind four years since I decided to move in with them. Time really does fly when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? Apart from playing the caregiver role, I’m also around here part-time, fresh off the boat from earning my first MS in Gerontology (that’s a fancy way of saying I’m all about embracing the silver years), and I’m currently working through my second master’s in Social Work. As for the future? I’m keeping it a thrilling mystery until the next page turns!
Now, you might wonder how I manage to juggle so many roles and wear so many hats, especially my signature pink and sparkly ones. The trick, my friends, is a killer organization game:
Top of Form
- Planner Perfection: My trusty planner is where it all happens. Every task, appointment, and reminder are neatly penciled in. Why pencil, you ask? It’s simple: plans change, and erasing is so much cleaner than crossing things out. A tidy planner means a tidy mind!
- Doctor’s Days: Grouping all medical appointments on the same day is a game-changer. It frees up the rest of the week for life’s more enjoyable moments. And hey, if there’s a gap between appointments, it’s the perfect excuse for a lunch date, which just so happens to be my gram’s favorite pastime.
- Medication Magic: I’ve got a system for medications that works like a charm. By preparing three large trays at a time, we avoid the daily confusion and keep everything in order. And here’s a pro tip: managing meds on a 90-day schedule is a lifesaver, making this chore a rare nuisance rather than a frequent frustration.
- Emergency Essentials: Being prepared is non-negotiable. I always have spare copies of medication lists and essential contacts ready. And don’t forget to clearly mark your emergency contact and healthcare proxy. Pro tip: At Cape Cod Hospital, you can submit their healthcare proxy form directly, and they’ll file it for you. It’s one less thing to worry about in an emergency.
- Routine Rhythm: Our oversized desk calendar is the command center of our living area (hung up so it doesn’t walk away) keeping all our important dates and appointments in clear view. Right there with it, we keep the essentials — medication lists and important contacts — so everything we need is at our fingertips at all times. This setup is key to our daily flow, ensuring that life runs smoothly and we’re always prepared. Not having to worry about where and when something is goes along way and saves a lot of time throughout the days.
- Hydration Heroics: Every morning, I place a bottle of electrolyte water on the matching side tables next to my grandparents’ recliners. This ensures they start their day hydrated and have no excuse not to drink. Their recliners, side by side in the living room, have become the perfect spot for this small but significant ritual. And to keep things interesting and ensure my grandfather doesn’t try to pull a fast one by showing me yesterday’s bottle, I switch up the flavors daily. It’s a fun twist that keeps everyone on their toes and hydrated! And hey after four years they have finally admitted water does make them feel better, ah it’s the little things in life that make me happy!
Speaking of my grandfather, he fancies himself the reigning champ of our household prank wars (I humor him, of course), still showing off his strength at the weight bench while masterfully deploying fake critters around the house to keep me on my toes. And my Gram? She’s a vibrant social butterfly who recently celebrated her 90th birthday.
Let me tell you about the time she decided to pull a Houdini on us. It was just another day for her monthly luncheon with her ‘no hatters’ group, the usual routine: drop her off at noon and pick her up promptly at 2 PM. Everything seemed normal until that day when I arrived to find her nowhere in sight. My heart dropped. Frantically, I asked the server about the group of lively older ladies, only to hear they had settled their bills and left. “What?!” I thought, scanning the restaurant and then rushing outside, hoping to spot her. That’s when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar little figure, a ‘q-tip’, as my grandfather affectionately calls her, sneaking into a car across the parking lot. I dashed over and breathlessly asked, “Are you with the no hatters? I’m looking for my grandma.” To which she cheerfully responded, “Oh, you must be Kelli! Yes, Barbara hitched a ride with one of the ladies. We’re off to an after-party to celebrate a 99th birthday!” I was flabbergasted. No call, no heads-up, she just went off to continue the party, leaving us in the dark. Relaying this unexpected turn of events to my grandfather, who was waiting in the car, we both couldn’t help but chuckle at her spontaneous spirit. Following the lead, we drove across town, and sure enough, as we approached our destination around 3 PM, the lineup of four walkers parked outside was a clear sign we were in the right place. I went in to find her having the time of her life, completely unbothered by the mini heart attack she’d given us. I declared, “You’re grounded, young lady!” the ladies all seemed to get a kick out of that one.
So, there you have it, folks – a little peek into my life, juggling the joys and jests of living with the coolest ‘kids’ in town, my grandparents. Between the planner strategizing, the hydration missions, and the unexpected luncheon escapades, it’s a wild, wonderful ride. It’s these moments, the laughter we share and the surprises we navigate together, that truly bring everything full circle. Here’s to more adventures, more laughs, and making every day count with my favorite partners in crime. Life’s a journey best traveled with a sense of humor and a heart full of love, after all. If you ever find yourself at the center, stop in to say hello- I’m always here to share more tips, tricks, or resources. I hope to see you all around!
-Kelli
