Who Will Care for Me (The Elderly)
Getting old is not a choice it just happens. The elder are sometimes forgotten and mistreated.
We are so fortunate that we are capable of caring for ourselves. When you are young, you get married, have children, and then you die. In between these transitions, you get old. Hopefully you have a loving family that you can depend on, someone that will be there for you in your time of need, someone that is willing to stay with you, provide for you and assist with the day-to-day responsibilities that is involved in the health care needs of an elderly person. Here in North Carolina where I live, I see allot of elderly people perhaps it’s the air or possible the natural foods they grow here, they have just about as much energy as I have and I am 52.
My mother-in-law is 89, up until 3 years ago she was still driving. My mother-in-law is the type of person that insist on doing everything by herself. Well three years ago she climbed up on a stool and broke her leg, it took almost a year to heal. Now at the age of 89, the circulation to her brain is poor and she is on allot of medication, she still tries to do things on her own, I guess she just notices how ugly her family members can get when it comes to assisting her around the house.
Recently I wrote a poem called; Dearly Departed, because my girlfriends father passed. He had his on apartment, he was ill, needed to be on oxygen and he was in and out of the hospital a couple of times, but he was still able to live at home. His condition got worse and his family wanted to put him in a nursing home; he was 66 years old. He told his family that he would rather die then go into a nursing home. He finally agreed, 2 months after he entered the nursing home he died. Taking care of an elderly family member can almost be like taking care of a baby, it requires love, time and a lot of patience. That elderly person may be someones grandmother or mother who doesn’t just want to be shut away and forgotten. Sometimes it is unavoidable, but just remember go and visit them allot, don’t let them think no one cares. Remember these are the people that cared for you when you were coming of age. Now it’s time for you to give them the respect that they deserve. You too will get old one day.
Liked it
diamondpoet | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
I hope that I never have to be in this situation.
ashan1614 | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
The only alternative to getting old is dying young. I don’t want to do that because there is still so much I want to do.
It used to be that our elders were respected and revered – that’s how it should be. Nursing homes and things of that sort should be a last resort; not our first option. We need to care for those who spent their lives caring for us.
Debra Bell | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
Ashan thank you for agreeing with me, I go to visit my friends mother as much as I can, may the work that I do speak for me in the long run.
Frances Lawrence | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
This was a good subject to write about. It is a big worry for many people. My mum and step father are becoming increasingly dependent on me, it is hard to give them the support they need while still needing to work and to care for my family, but I do my best.
Snooky | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
I have worked in a care facility for 17 years and have seen all types of residents and staff come and go. those residents with familys that come often ot stay in contact some way–phone calls letters, thrive and hold their cognisance much longer than those that are labled throwaways(terrible) That saying so goes the mind goes the body is 80%true. Even severe demensia residents have more frequent lucid periods when they know loved ones do care. And those whose fmilys visit often fair better when it comes to personal concerns. All care entities
and agencies
know that they are being monitored.
ceegirl | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
Your article tells it all but sometimes we have no other choice.
CA Johnson | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
I really enjoyed your article. My grandmother is in her 70s and she depends on my family a lot. We help her out as much as we can. I think that we should help the elderly too because they were there for us when we needed them and now it is our turn to help them out.
mo hoyal | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
I think this is a wonderful article and how I wish everyone would have respect and love for their elders. It used to be, like in the days of the Waltons, the grandparents were in the same house with the family and they were regarded with respect and known for the wisdom they had… and for all of the things they could teach a new generation. Not anymore, it is so sad, and yes, I agree that the nursing home should be the last resort! Thank you for a wonderful service you have done in writing this article!
Judi Eddy | Oct 9, 2009 | Reply
How wonderful your mum driving still. I looked after my mum with cancer, she passed away at 83. but until that day she was always an inspiration as she was always so independant and did,nt like things being done for her if she could do it herself. I know when I get old that my 4 children will look after me.
DeSmet Spartan | Oct 9, 2009 | Reply
nice!
Sarah Sullins | Oct 9, 2009 | Reply
I worked as a CNA in a nursing home for a couple of years. Most of the people there had families that would still come and visit them, but did not have the ability to take care of them. Afterward, I worked as a home health aide. That is another way for people to still live at home. I would go in, help them take baths, clean the house, and such. They would get visits from home health nurses each week. I think I would try to get my parents help at home before I would resort to putting them in a nursing home. The people I took care of at home seemed so much happier.