As we come out of Thanksgiving weekend, I have been thinking about family, gratitude and how our needs change through the different seasons of life.

My mom is now living in a lovely retirement home. She has had some health challenges, including hospital stays, and recently had a fall just a few days before Thanksgiving.

We wanted so much for her to join us at my niece’s for Thanksgiving. She has already missed family celebrations, including my niece’s wedding, and we hoped she could enjoy being together. But getting her there was much harder on her than we had anticipated.

Then came her dental appointment today. We realized that getting into the car and making the trip would be too difficult for her, so we needed to cancel. With the office closed for Thanksgiving yesterday, it meant a same-day cancellation, something we were worried about. Something that would once have been a straightforward outing had become another challenge. That was when my sister suggested reaching out to a mobile dental hygienist in town.

My mom’s response?

“I don’t want to put them out to come here.”

I explained, “Mom, that is what they do!”

But her words stayed with me.

How often do people hesitate to accept help because they feel they are inconveniencing someone?

We spend so much time thinking about what happens once a patient is in our chair. Sometimes, though, the hardest part happens before they ever arrive.

Getting dressed. Getting into the car. Managing discomfort. Arranging transportation. Having someone available to help.

This experience with my mom made that very personal for me.

It also reminded me that behind a cancelled appointment may be a story we know nothing about. A recent fall. A worried family. Someone who wants to come but simply cannot manage the trip.

A little curiosity and compassion can help us understand what that person needs.

Our needs change, and our care needs to change with them.

What was comfortable a few months ago may be difficult today. Mobile dental hygiene is such a meaningful example of bringing care to people where they are. I am grateful that our profession offers this option and for the dental hygienists who make it possible.

As we return to our routines this week, perhaps there is an opportunity to consider: Is there a barrier making it difficult for someone to receive care? Is there an adjustment, a conversation or a referral that could help?

And perhaps someone needs to hear:

“You’re not putting us out. We’re here to help.”

Sometimes, helping someone access care begins with helping them feel comfortable accepting it.

Warmly,
Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President, rdhu

Your Professional Growth Partner™