Some days?  As a caregiver, I confess I’m a lot more housekeeper than bedsitter.

I do believe that cleanliness is important when someone is chronically ill. And I like order.  Order calms me.  And I feel it adds to the patient’s feeling of serenity when his surroundings are clean and organized.

And, being a caregiver, I don’t get to do much walking, exercising, playing games these days.  I like the movement in washing floors, folding laundry, sweeping.

I asked my friend, Alma Vaugeois about this.  Alma, a clinical counsellor, told me that’s one reason some people may find comfort in housekeeping tasks.

There’s a release of physical tension, Alma, also a Yoga instructor, noted.  Your body’s moving, stretching, reaching. 

I confessed to Alma that I had been washing the tile floors on my hands and knees ever since I found out that doing so made me stiff and sore.

To me this means those muscles need to be used, I said in my Asperger’s way, so now I make a point of extending my arms and torso, really working them when I wash the floors.  Alma nodded.

My kids think I’m crazy, I added.

Alma laughed.  Housework is very physical, she said.  And you can focus completely on the task on hand.  This is mentally freeing as well. So for you, doing the floors or doing any housework gives you both a physical and mental release.

I have always liked the feeling of a clean and tidy home; polished furniture, clean kitchen, flowers on the table.  But after talking to Alma about it?  I’m going to enjoy the pleasure I now know they give me.

The important thing to remember and honour?  Is how much Chris wants me by his side. As things get closer to the end, I know I’ll be doing less housework and more bed sitting.

To learn more about Alma Vaugeois, please go to:

www.almavaugeois.com

Yours truly,

Margaret Jean.