Most of the time I listen to a CBC program from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. It covers topics of current interest or if it's not of current interest, they will make it current interest.
A while ago they had a series on care for seniors. They had experts from various fields and covered the usual topics of health, housing and quality of life.
They set it up so that listeners could keep on commenting through emails. People write in and it's surprising how many different options there are. There are may family controlled and organized accommodations for lodging and care. Everybody has their own story.
It's interesting to listen to those stories and realize there are many options.
The big problem is that many elderly do not have options. Some have very limited finances. Some have health issues that limit their options. Some people don't want any of the options and want to live independently. Sometimes independence is not an option. So we have some people who are unhappy with the options.
It's a challenge for society to care for the elderly. In the fifties my grandfather lived in our home for his last 5 years. In some ways it was good and then there were problems. My Mom had an extra load to look after him. I think he always felt that he was a guest who required special treatment. I'm sure he would have been happier living on his own but that was not an option.
So often I listen to this information and all of a sudden I say "That's me they're talking about." As long as we're healthy we can sail along and remain independent. But there will come a time when independence is not an option.
All we can do is make some realistic plans. We have looked at senior accommodation. After that we don't know what we're doing.
It's wonderful to be able to postpone the topic for a long time, but at some point, that's no longer possible.
ReplyDeleteAnd then it's good if you've already dealt with it intensively.
Blessed is he who reaches a good age!
You're doing it right, keep yourself occupied with full possession of mind and body... good luck to you and yours. I hope you find something you like.
Best regards to you.
Thank you. We have put our names into a facility but we don't have to move now but we are ready if we have to.
DeleteWhen I was young the family looked after its old wherever possible. My maternal grandmother lived with us once she reached her late 80s and rattled around in her huge house. Now I think we expect 'the State' to look after the elderly.
ReplyDeleteFamilies did look after the elderly In the 50's our grandfather lived with us for his last 5 years. It wasn't an ideal situation.
DeleteIf one is healthy well into old age it's kind of hard to know where and when to move. But best to make a decision before the decision is out of your hands. It happens to so many especially those with cognitive decline or physical handicaps making it impossible to remain at home though I think most people want to live in their own homes.
ReplyDeleteThere's really no right time to pull the plug. We have to want a change.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteSenior care is a problem here too, most places are unaffordable and some that are affordable have waiting lists. I think with our current administration they would like to stop helping the seniors. Have a great day and happy week ahead.
I'm afraid many people will have to double up because things are expensive with little aid.
DeleteI hear you! We are going through the same!
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you talk about it every day!
DeleteYou have many good points in this post, Red. As we age, we all begin to wonder what the future will bring for us. We won't always have control of what will happen to us. I find that the older I get the more I realize that I have had a good life. I hope I am peaceful and accepting when it's my time.
ReplyDeleteWe start to realize that we don't have much time left but we still have basic needs that need attention.
DeleteIt's always good to have a plan, as you said. My mom moved into senior housing before she needed it, and it was the best thing for her. There was no scramble to find care when the need arose later.
ReplyDeleteOne of the bigger scrambles it to get rid of your treasures.
DeleteRed, are you and the Micro Manager looking to move into Senior Accommodations? If so, do you see it happening in the next year or two? John
ReplyDeleteWe will be in a senior accommodation but we're not ready yet. As far as happening ? Something could happen in the next minute that would change things.
DeleteSo far, so good for us. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteThere are some critical things that can happen rapidly.
DeleteIt is a tough time of life and hard to accept that we have to look at options now.
ReplyDeleteWe tend to stick our heads in the sand when we have critical decisions to make.
DeleteWe are looking at our options also. It ain't easy.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't easy at all. we have too much junk to get rid of.
DeleteThat's something that most of us have to consider. Good post, Red.
ReplyDeletethere are too many things to consider.
DeleteSomething that' to me. If we didn't have home care every morning and evening to get me out of/back into bed, I'd lose my independence and end up in a care home.
ReplyDeleteHome care goes a long way in supporting us. Some of the senior residences also have home care.
DeleteYou covered this topic well in a short space. After experiencing my mother's decline and her rejection of all help but mine, I hope that if I end up with dementia I will be easier to deal with. I have repeatedly told my kids not to take on my care. I wouldn't want to burden them like that. But as you say, at what point do we make a decision to change our living arrangements? It's not an easy call. Not many people want to leave home before it's necessary.
ReplyDeleteOur intentions may be good but once we become irrational everything changes. I remember the posts about your mother. Irrationality comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
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ReplyDeleteWe know we have to begin thinking about our options too. Having so much to care for here with our large home and garden will not always be possible. It is already getting harder.
I hate to give up my yard and garden. I like tending plants and watching them grow and develop.
DeleteMy parents have resisted all kinds of help and planning so I had to resign myself to waiting for a crisis, which is the very worst way to make change.
ReplyDeleteI am their only power of attorney and the only executor. I expect the next few years to weigh heavily and while I want to do whats right for them, I deeply resent that it's all made h arder by their head in the sand attitude
This is wise how you keep up with such information dear Red .in your country it’s very normal and common which is positive for dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteI believe it will take more time for our society to think this way completely. Despite in bigger cities things are changing smoothly and moving to senior care is an acceptable option,small towns and rural areas are still facing it as a cultural shock sadly. Even if family of elderly is ready for it mentally,thinking about how will others react to it is huge concern. At first unaware of it I too used to think it’s cruel or selfish but reading blogs since many years I was realised that it’s an appropriate way for both sides.
I heard the same series on CBC. It is a real quandary. I am trying to stay strong & healthy the best way I can.
ReplyDeleteIt can be frightening.
ReplyDeleteI do have to say that I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. We're active and doing and all of that, but I am seeing little hints and signs of 'slipping' and sometimes in the night, I lay awake worrying about it. It is scary.
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