Our Promise to Gladys
/By Sue Cleland
When we gaze out in the pasture, we do not just see one large herd, dotted with black or white sheep and goats. We see each resident’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Without vocalizing it, what is each resident telling us?
Just as we are all human, each of us are individuals with unique personalities, wants, and needs.
Gladys Is a Sheep but She’s Also Gladys
Gladys arrived at HEEFS on May 15, 2015, after being requisitioned from Storybook Zoo. Her birthdate is unknown but what we do know is that her life before HEEFS consisted of an artificial and restrictive environment that lacked enrichment to stimulate her likes and preferences. It was extremely unhealthy. For much, if not all, of her life, she would have been seen as just a sheep, and probably would have received the same basic food, shelter, and a forced daily routine as those she lived with.
Like all residents at HEEFS, Gladys has her own story. We know her past and understand that certain things could trigger any unpleasant memories. We also examine her daily routine, mannerisms, specialized diet, needed supplements, vet visits, and her quality of life.
Gladys’s Current Needs
Gladys is a senior resident who presently requires the greatest number of actions in her health care plan, throughout the day. A few of the actions include: check her fentanyl patch, monitor her mobility, give her different medications throughout the day, and since she’s off pasture now for a month, we need to ensure her close friends, Luanne and Moose socialize with her throughout the day or sleep in her stall overnight.
Every resident at HEEFS receives a 6-week health care check, but residents who are senior or have special needs are assessed daily. What would make her the most physically comfortable? What may help her to be more emotionally content? If she is feeling like it, what would enrich her senses today? How would an upcoming storm or cooler night affect her arthritis? Does she seem to prefer a quiet day for naps with the lights turned off? She loves carrots; let’s harvest one from the garden when it's time for her next medication.
Keeping Our Promise
Even before a resident arrives at HEEFS, careful individualized consideration is given as to how their life will be improved physically, emotionally, socially, behaviourally, and cognitively, and how they will flourish within the dynamics of our current herds or flocks. From the moment a resident arrives, we objectively put ourselves into their situation as best we can, and offer continuous attention, care and compassion. It’s both our promise and honour to give them a lifetime of everything they deserve.
