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Honestly, it probably deserves a name.<\/p>\n
Ballroom and line dances have already claimed words like two-step<\/em>, pivot<\/em>, twist,<\/em> and swing<\/em>. But caregiving<\/a><\/strong> introduces a distinct category of movement born of necessity and shaped by love. Add the word \u201ccaregiving\u201d to a few familiar dance steps, and you could build an entirely new dance catalog.<\/p>\n Because what we do isn\u2019t random. It\u2019s practiced. It\u2019s intentional. And for couples navigating disability together, it\u2019s often the most important dance of the day.<\/p>\n For Jennifer and me, that dance is most clearly visible during transfers \u2014 those moments when she moves from her power wheelchair to wherever life needs her next.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how it usually goes:<\/p>\n I line my body up with hers and stagger my stance so we\u2019re balanced. I bend my knees until our eyes meet. I slide my arms beneath hers, link my hands behind her back, and pull us close together. Yes, so close that we can feel each other breathe.<\/p>\n Then I count. \u201cOne\u2026 two\u2026 three.\u201d<\/p>\n On \u201cthree,\u201d everything happens at once.<\/p>\n I lift with my legs. Jennifer braces and engages what she can. We hold on tight \u2014 for stability, for reassurance, and because this is not the moment to let go. <\/p>\n Once she\u2019s standing and steady, we pivot together toward the next destination: the shower chair, the toilet, the bed, the standing frame. Wherever the day calls for.<\/p>\n Simple? Maybe on paper. But in real life, it takes focus, communication, strength and complete trust. Miss a step and we\u2019re both literally on the floor.<\/p>\n So yes, it\u2019s a dance in every sense of the word.<\/p>\n The Caregiving Slide<\/strong><\/p>\n Transfers are a core part of many caregiving relationships involving disability. Thankfully, there are tools \u2014 Hoyer lifts<\/a><\/strong>, standing frames, and transfer devices \u2014 designed to make those movements safer. Jennifer and I own them. We\u2019re grateful for them, and we use them when we need to.<\/p>\n Caregiving isn\u2019t a solo performance. It\u2019s a partnership.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n