Jenga Tower of Care

Monica Stynchula

Monica Stynchula is the Founder & CEO of REUNIONCare, Inc. a health information technology company and Credit For Caring (USPTO Trademark) virtual social worker and e-commerce technology. REUNIONCare, Inc. an SBA certified Women-owned small business.

Monica received her MSW and MPH from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a lifetime member of the Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society. Distinguished Alumnus Recipient at Seton Hill University. She is a graduate of the USA Office of National Coordination HITECH health information specialist completing her designations as HIT Pro and CPHIMSS.

To learn more about Monica, connect with her on social media below:Monica Stynchula is the Founder & CEO of REUNIONCare, Inc. a health information technology company REUNIONCare, Inc. an SBA certified Women-owned small business. Monica received her MSW and MPH from the University of Pittsburgh.

Caregiving in the Pandemic Era

Have you played Jenga?

This game is a powerful analogy for caregiving today. The players strategically remove bricks from the Jenga tower of 54 blocks without tumbling the entire game to the ground. The game is great fun. I suspect that architects always win at Jenga. I do not play Jenga with anyone in the construction business due to this inherent advantage.

COVID Feels Like a Jenga Tower

The pandemic consumes how we live today. How safe is shopping or going out to a restaurant? What about doctor offices or hospitals? Jenga reminds us of how we are making important life decisions in the age of pandemics We make a change (remove a brick) and wait to see if we get the virus. However, like the Jenga tower, there is the element of chance or hidden dangers that may undermine even the soundest logic.

Caregivers Live Brick by Brick

The over fifty million family caregivers risk pulling out the wrong bricks. I suspect many caregivers worry that daily activities like dressing and bathing increase the risk of passing along the virus. Even the best decisions can lead to unintended consequences.

Chance or Skill?

Sure, the first five or ten Jenga moves carry a low probability of destroying the tower. Just like Jenga, caregivers are facing increasing risks as they return to work or send their children back to school while they are caring for a vulnerable person. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has clearly identified what each of us can do to reduce our viral spread. However, what is uncertainty increases when the bricks left is our tower is weakened by the actions of the other players and the environment around us.

Credit For Caring is on Your Jenga Team

Your life is the Jenga tower and you are the architect. Knowledge is power. I encourage you to reach out for help from community-based services and your healthcare team. Our team created a tool to help guide you. It’s quick and easy to use. Answer the questions and we will offer you our professional advice. Game on.

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