Forgotten Importance

       As human beings, we have an inherent desire to achieve independence, and it is only through social contracts in societal constraints that we enter into communities with others. This is a very simplistic way to put human beings’ desire for independence into words. However, it often right that this desire often comes with conflict relating to society and everyday constraints. Some groups face different conditions. Like for example, the restrictions placed on the disabled community are more prominent. 
       When it comes to disability, I have a unique perspective. I’m a twenty-seven-year-old male who relies on others for most of my physical needs to be met. When I say that I rely on personal care, I include such tasks as showering, eating, dressing, and even moving from a supine position in bed to a functional upright position in my wheelchair. Those in the aide care profession are crucial to my life, whether I want them to be or not. That being said, there are many things within the current aide care system that results in a disconnect between care providers and the people they assist. 
       Having a disability does not limit me as a person. I am currently in the middle of completing my last class for my Master’s degree. My situation is not commonplace, but it is not unique either. Many of the people who personal care aides take care of our disabled, intelligent, goal-driven individuals. I live in a college town where approximately one hundred students with physical disabilities attend a local university. The aide care community in this town is vitally important. Often those in the aide care professionals do not remember just how important they are to this community. They forget that other human beings rely on them for such simple things that they do every day and take for granted. Many of them have not even thought about what they would do if the situation were reversed. Often in college towns like mine, the aide care profession is heavily inundated with individuals who see it as a transition job. I am here to tell anyone who reads this that aide care should be classified as anything but a “transition” job. On the contrary, those who pursue aide care as a profession should follow the profession because they desire to help others and not just get to the next step of their plan.
       I understand that it is difficult in today’s economy to find a job, and not all jobs are attractive. I am also well aware that this article may come off as semi-arrogant. It is not intended to do so, but some people might take it that way. I believe that aide care and the professions associated with it, i.e., physical in-home health aides, agency coordinators, office personnel, nurses, and social workers, should not consist of apathetic and uncaring people. Now many may say that these types of individuals are scattered throughout all professions. That may be true, but it does not negate that the aide care profession should not seek to be like all other professions. Instead, it should hold itself to a higher standard. 
       In recent weeks, I have had my share of bumps in the road. I am not by any means saying that my bumps in the road are any harder or any less unexpected compared to other individuals. I am saying that the bumps in my street have been related to my disability, though, and could have been avoided had the people surrounding me approached their position in my life differently. If they did not see me as just a paycheck but as a living and breathing human being—maybe they would not find it so easy to call off at the last moment or to regularly not even show up. I understand that this is a romantic view of life. 
       As we progress into the second decade of the twenty-first century, it is sad but true when someone says that we are more self-absorbed now than ever before. The prevalent altruism used in the “Barney Fife” and “Leave It To Beaver” eras have sadly gone by the wayside. Along with that, it has died another very important idea, which is the “meaningful promise.” The dictionary definition of the word “promise” is a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. Sure, people say, I promise I will do that, or I promise I will be there for this, but rarely are those promises ever kept. Promises now become a placeholder when we don’t want to make somebody feel bad. This is also extremely true in the aide care profession. Often people will “promise” to cover specific shifts but conveniently forget. I am realistic, and I know that in life, sometimes things come up unexpectedly, but if you are not even man or woman enough to pick up the phone and tell me (or anyone else in my situation) that you are unable to come—or flat out do not want to go in, then don’t even bother, “promising” me anything. 
       I may be angry after reading that last paragraph. Overall, I am not, but sometimes it is essential to show that, yes, even disabled people have spouts of anger. Anger is a great motivator. I hope that what I have said and what I will continue to say in the rest of this article will help those in the aide care profession understand their importance. The current system perpetuates “aide apathy” (as I like to call it), but just because the system is broken does not mean that people cannot rise above it. There is no earthly reason that anyone can give me to explain why a twenty-seven-year-old female was left in bed from 11:00 pm to 11:00 am until the next day, which was not by her own doing. This young lady was left in the ground because somebody overslept or decided not to come in. I understand that the aides that care for us, the “disabled community,” are human as we are—but whether it’s fair or not, they need to be held to a higher standard. To illustrate, let me use an example. 
       I know that I have hammered home the point of non-apathy by the aide care population throughout this piece, but here is a very powerful example. Consider the person(s) you are taking care of like your children. Would you want your son or daughter to have to sit for hours in urine and feces? Just because someone didn’t want to do their job because it happened 20 minutes before the shift ended. I think the common sense answer to this question would be no. Also, consider that same idea when making plans to go out and party the night before working. It is notable to mention that the tardiness and constant call-offs have to be tolerated because disabled people have no recourse and other substitutes for you. Or so you think. Your assumption is probably the case, but remember that at some point, everyone can be replaced. It’s a harsh reality, but it is a reality of life that many in the aide care profession forget about.      
       I have been harsh on those in the aide care profession throughout this piece, and before I close, it is important to mention that I do appreciate the aides, and I understand that the system is broken. How can a person who takes care of someone 20-40 hours a week not develop a bond with him or her? It is impossible. However, many who are not in the industry but know people who utilize services believe that neither the consumer nor the provider should get involved in each other’s personal lives. I have a question for them. How do they expect that to happen when each individual is such a large part of the other’s life? I am so harsh on those who provide aide care because they need to realize how vital they are and how important they are to the system. Hopefully, this piece will do a little bit to boost the confidence of consumers and the awareness of the individuals who take care of them.