What is good care? How would you define this, and what does that look like?
Good care is question driven
Rather than conjecture about good care for another, it is often best to ask these questions:
- What do you need?
- How can I help you?
Good care, in many ways is question driven.
Good care is optimal observation and listening
The best care givers are great observers and listeners. Rather than project what another needs, these optimal care givers listen carefully and observe keenly to hear and see what another needs. We have to be attuned to each other if we want to care well for one another.
Good care is timely and responsive
Good care is not about intentions, but instead about actions--when we care well for others, we don't just imagine or talk about caring actions, but instead we write the notes, send the cards, order the flowers, make the meals, and show up in a timely way.
To work for optimal care is a positive direction in life--creating routines that make care a mainstay leads to good living for yourself and others. I want to think and act more in these ways in the days to come.