Safety Protocols for the Vulnerable and At Risk
Just yesterday I was on the phone with a fellow quadriplegic who asked, “Joni, I’ve got so many caregivers coming and going, and it’s making me nervous. Tell me, what are you doing to protect yourself?” It’s a question being circulated among many of my friends with disabilities. And as I tell them, my husband Ken is fiercely protective of me during this season of coronavirus.
At our house, everyone must wash their hands for 20 seconds, leave their shoes at the front door, wipe all surfaces with Lysol, and limit their contact with outsiders. With caregivers coming to get me up in the morning, or help lay me down at night, the risk of contamination in our home is high.
In fact, we have scaled back the number of helpers. It has placed more responsibility on his shoulders, but Ken doesn’t mind.
His guide is Ephesians 5:15-17 where the Spirit warns, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
It’s good advice for every special needs family who is responsible for a vulnerable, at-risk loved one.
As Ken would say, “When it comes to a disability, don’t take any chances. Fiercely protect that disabled child or adult for whom you are responsible. Make no apologies for setting high safety standards for the people coming in and out of your home.”
As Ephesians 5 says, be careful how you live!
–Joni Eareckson Tada
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