By Peter Rosenberger
Special to TGM
An intruder recently received swift justice when wielding knives in the home of an Atlanta resident. The homeowner produced a gun and shot the intruder – who picked both the wrong house and the wrong weapons. Even President Obama once opined on the concept of “knife versus gun” in a fight. While home invasions and violent crime certainly seem commonplace in the dystopia that leftists seem eager to create, this incident contained a different variable: a resident in the home remained confined to a wheelchair.
It’s one thing to defend oneself in the face of attack, but when charged with caring for a disabled loved one, the stakes increase exponentially. Since fleeing while pushing a wheelchair or with a mobility impairment remains virtually impossible, assaults leave caregivers no choice but to fight.
America’s increased lawlessness is on a collision course with the massive aging baby-boomer population, and the scenario in Atlanta is sure to repeat – often. Vulnerable people with jewelry, other valuables, and prescription medication always attract unwanted attention.
The FBI recently released 2020 crime statistics, and the picture appears grim. Of, course, demonizing the police doesn’t help – nor does ridiculous bail reform, “mostly peaceful protests”, tens of thousands breaking America’s immigration laws (without vaccinations), and a whole host of other issues that paint a bleak picture.
Is it any wonder that many Americans feel uneasy about their safety?
Personal safety concerns, however, soars even higher when it comes to the vulnerable population of chronically impaired loved ones. In those cases, family caregivers are often the first and last line of defense – even in public. The question for family caregivers is not “what can I do,” but rather “what I am prepared to do.”
Long before ever hearing of Mayor DeBlasio, I recall pushing my wife in her wheelchair while we enjoyed Times Squares during a visit to New York City. Yet, until the people of New York demand and receive better leadership, we choose to never repeat that activity. The first step of preparation is to avoid known places of violence and lawlessness.
The US State Department lists travel warnings to cities around the world based upon the potential of harm to American citizens. A Level 4 advisory includes such dire warning as “…travelers should not travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.”
Those Level 4 warnings easily apply to numerous sections of major US cities – all controlled by the Democrat party. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Baltimore, Atlanta, Washington, DC, etc.
Avoiding places, however, is not enough – particularly when living there.
Owning a firearm serves as a must for family caregivers. The man in Atlanta broke into the home and grabbed knives in the kitchen to attack the homeowner – which would have left the disabled resident even more vulnerable. Possessing a firearm, however, is not sufficient. One must know how to safely store, access, and wield the weapon.
Education, training, and practice remain key to personal safety with a firearm.
For family caregivers, the journey extends beyond the use of a firearm. Securing that weapon – particularly away from children and loved ones with an impairment- remains paramount. While many stereotype caregivers as those caring for the elderly or those with dementia, caregivers care for addicts, alcoholics, children with special needs, and loved ones with mental illness. All those and more require protection from assailants – and often themselves.
As uncomfortable as it is for some, the decision of what to do must be made long before an assault or home invasion. All that stands between my severely disabled wife and an assailant – is me. The question has been asked and answered as to preparation, vigilance, and willingness to do what is necessary for safety.
Planning, training, and awareness remain important on a good day, but when political leaders demonize law enforcement while disregarding lawbreakers, the need for personal security and safety escalates. With rampant drug abuse, family caregivers must extend that vigilance to include home health aides (as well as their relatives and associates).
From home invasion to stealing a loved one’s medication to physical assault, the conditions continue to reinforce the need for family caregivers to remain alert, prepared, and armed.
Peter Rosenberger is a 35+ year caregiver for his wife, Gracie. He hosts the nationally syndicated radio program “Hope for the Caregiver” – heard weekly on 200 + stations. www.hopeforthecaregiver.com
