Candles of Remembrance for Those Who've Died From Any Cause...and Yes, COVID or Other Unexpected Causes. Let's Lean into the Learning and Prevention Aspects To Stay Safe and Sound (Body, Mind, Soul and Community and Country too)
With news of a fire in Sheffield MA in the Republican American, with no foul play as far as reported, it's a good reminder to check smoke alarms and safety in general for all folks.
The paper also referenced the tragic loss of a family in that area in March 2019 due to domestic violence by the adult male who was the biological father of the the three children.
More support for all families and people dealing with stress could be considered by more communities on every level. Friendly informal community mediators and message bearers could educate people about basic ways to ask for help, talk or write concerns or ideas for their area, road, town etc anonymously or even with some relay directly to one or more people.
There is no need for yelling or escalating matters if people agree to a basic level of civility. There can be cause for concern if people act erratically, under the influence of substances or high emotions, address others directly in a rude or sudden manner (particularly without others nearby and if one person is stronger or male speaking to a female or weaker person.)
Everyone could hear about what a Safe Church Policy involves or local school policies for behavior and apply that voluntarily to their own family, group or public situation.
If someone is acting unexpectedly, it is best to de-escalate a situation by not engaging directly with anything but a question to ask if they'd like to explain their concerns (but again, maintain a safe distance and exit the scene with a quick word of needing to get going or will maybe hear more later...If in a car, one could ask to have the driver stop so one can get out to use a bathroom or get something at a store etc...then call for help.)
There are many other situations that can come up whether for younger people or older ones if there is a medical need or someone needs a caregiver on short notice, especially for more than a few hours.
We could ideally have a list of people 'at the ready for any such situation' with people 'paid in advance' by a town or program, individuals or however. More on that soon on my blog Livfully.org.
Thanks to all serving in many capacities, paid or not paid, on good faith and on credit. Somehow it can all be mapped out more clearly for people to understand options and seek help, make amends and get a fresh start (possibly with more buddy systems and team support) to rebuild trust and facilitate transitions.
Another area of concern is to have written guidelines about managing one's pet as in a dog on a leash or a dog barking and so on. Knowing the rules and basic ways to address the concerns for all parties can prevent needing to report a person (or dog.)
Perhaps some volunteers or paid pet care folks can be used to help an animal adjust to healthier habits and support an owner or pet care person in that role.
Lots of other needs 'just under the radar' could be identified and planned for to help someone with any number of family or caregiving needs, car issues or other basic chores (some of which an agency may help with but not if they have some help already.)
Respite care services and housekeeping (deep clean, moving, organizing, and so forth) could be a great way to help people find support to handle bigger projects and again review safety in a home.
Some pods or places to store items may be key to the process and likely that would work best mapped out over a period of weeks or months, but again could spur business, employment and overall safety and awareness...
Same with maintaining a house and doing home repairs, getting fuel assistance, cleaning a basement and yard near a home and so on. Teams joining forces could help more people 'get things done' and hopefully build trust and competency, and show support for those in need.
Taking 15 minute 'personal time' breaks for any caregivers and even short breaks for those working 'regular jobs' would help everyone remember they need to practice self -care. That might include asking for help, seeking new ways to understand their life, work, social or relationship situations locally and online, etc.
I explore many ideas on Livfully.org as part of a community forum (with many good times from the past recounted to jog memories) and share resources that many have found helpful. In terms of needs for elders, (really anyone over 55), exploring the basics of homecare programs in NY State as well as CT (they may differ significantly) and other states would be practical (if caring for others or even if needing care for oneself in years to come.)
Feel free to PM me or raise other topics on this thread to help more people feel informed on many issues that get overlooked or lost in the shuffle. The systems are evolving due to pandemic to help people pay attention to many issues in new ways, to have home-based learning or hybrid models for work as well and much more.
Let's keep the conversations going and the sense of team in the 20 towns in the NW CT area and even in the tri-corner MA/NY CT area to feel more supported in these important times, even while physically distancing as per guidelines and legalities (especially with younger people driving.
More adults could hold the keys to avoid situations of teens and even young adults having passengers or not having a sense of accountability with their skill level and supervision for months after getting a license...and even ideally through the first year or two or more with frequent ride-alongs from experienced drivers...Just a thought in light of other challenges that have resulted in fatalities, injuries, jail time and such.
Ideally more people would have voluntary checks every year for their driving abilities, particularly as aging but also if stressed or sleep-deprived etc, and support to have people do errands with them or for them 'no questions asked...' )
