ADAPTATION

Our lives are always evolving and changing:

The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.   ― Kakuzo Okakura

Adaptation is such an important word. It can relate to physical day to day life, and it can represent the abstract – a mindset.

When Naomi came home from the hospital her mobility was still a challenge. We found short term solutions that later evolved into long-term solutions. We also adapted our frame of reference and how we thought about and approached the new reality we were living in.

I have always been a list maker and planner so in many ways this was my wheelhouse. There were a lot of practical adaptions that we could make.

We learned a lot about adaptive devices from taking care of our mom. We had a small transfer chair from mom that came in handy in the beginning. I also bought mom a walker with a basket. A tub chair was a must. Our mom’s bed had a small bar with a pocket attached to it. This was also a helpful item for Naomi.

Current bed heights were much higher than Naomi could manage, so I had to figure out how to lower Naomi’s bed. Lowering the bed seemed daunting at first but then I found a low box spring and things fell into place. Speaking of height – while the bed needed to be lower, the toilet seat needed to be higher. I made a temporary riser for the toilet seat by placing a commode frame (complete with arms) over our current toilet.

Each tool has a function. We incorporated some tools into our day-to-day lives and stored others, pulling them out as needed. We donated unneeded items to our local senior center; they were happy to get donations and pass equipment on to other people in need.

These were some of the physical things we needed to think about. Then there was the mindset. How could we adapt from day to day? Again, being a planner helped a lot and allowed me to navigate our new world. I still struggle with change, yet things are always changing and evolving in ways we cannot predict or plan for. The key is adapting to them as they come along.

It is important to get out there and enjoy the activities that make us happy. Naomi wanted to go to see the Boston performance of the musical ‘Suffs’ for her Birthday. We planned and with the help of our cousin were able to secure weekend accessible seats in the orchestra for a matinee performance.

Planning focused on a couple of things. The battery on Naomi’s oxygen concentrator only lasts for four hours tops. Also, parking needed to be close enough to the venue so that the walk was doable for Naomi.

The play was nearly three hours long, and figuring in time for the trip from home and back we knew the battery would not quite make it. Fortunately, we have a car charger to use while travelling.

Parking in the transportation building allowed us to exit by the Boston Common and walk a block to the Theater. We could have lunch in the car and keep charging the portable oxygen battery. When walking Naomi needs the oxygen turned up but if she turned it down to a low setting during the play, it would last until we got back to the car and we could charge it again as she used it.

The play and the music were inspiring. It took planning but it was worth it. It was a success, and we had a great day!

With planning and adaptation, it’s possible to experience and enjoy each adventure, wherever it leads – whether it is at the beach, on a walking trail or in an art museum. This is a journey and life is evolving all the time. Keep doing the things you love even though they might not look quite the same as they did before.

Anything is possible when you adapt!

This month’s recipe:

Breakfast Casserole

I wanted to find something that was special for breakfast. This casserole is filled with protein, and its cheesy taste is surprising. It is good for everyday or special occasions.

You can make this ahead of time and freeze it in single servings.

We love it!

Ingredients:

1 package Jones All Natural Pork Sausage Patties

5 ounces original Philadelphia Cream Cheese (not fat free)

1 cup 1% low-fat Milk

4 slices Italian Bread (or white bread) torn into cube size pieces

6 extra large eggs

½ teaspoon of dry mustard

1 medium-large onion cut ½ inch chunks and cooked in olive oil until transparent then drained

9” x 9” square casserole dish – I use Corningware

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325F (if you are using Corningware start in a cold oven).
2. In one pan cook the onions with olive oil and in another cook the patties on each side to thaw.
3. Remove and cut each patty into chunks – about 18 per patty – then cook and brown them. Drain the cooked patties.
4. Lightly oil the pan.
5. Tear the bread into chunks and lay in the casserole.
6. Put the onions on top of the bread and evenly distribute.
7. Put the sausage pieces on top of that and evenly distribute.
8. Put the eggs, cream cheese, milk, and mustard in the blender and blend it all together.
9. Pour that mixture over the bread, onion and sausage.
10. Let it sit for a minute.
11. Cook for 55-60 minutes or until set in the middle and brown on top.
12. Cool for 5 minutes and cut into portions.

Adapted from DaVita Recipes – Nancy, Dietician from Virginia