Everything changes with time.
Some physical changes are so gradual and so small that you never notice them happen. If you do notice a change there’s always the question of how big was the change? How sudden was it? Or was there a change at all and you just noticed something for the first time? And the only way to be sure is to have a point of reference.
You’re gonna need to take pictures and record videos.
It doesn’t need to be very scientific. It just needs to happen with some frequency. Holidays, birthdays, family get togethers, brand new T shirt. . . . all wonderful reasons take out the cell phone and snap a picture or take a video. Get footage of them eating cake. Opening and trying out a new toy. Playing with a fidget.
You don’t need to make measurements. Or even really have consistent movement. Just something so you can look back and closer identify when something changed. You can tell that two weeks ago their voice wasn’t as raspy as it is now. Or notice that they’ve stopped using their left hand.
By creating regular reference points , you can see absence of change and quality of life is being maintained.
With photos and videos, you will be able to see someone still has range of motion, good balance on their feet and still has dexterity in using their fingertips. Photo evidence makes it possible to assign a time line as to when a loss has occurred. Videos and picture can prove abilities are being improved upon or at a standstill.
Having record of those little casual reference points makes it easier to be sure of when something changed and how drastic the change is, This information can be helpful in setting therapy goals or evaluating treatments.
————— by Justin Vance ————–