Taking your elderly relative under your wing and into your home can be much more difficult than you imagined; so think long and hard before you start on this gargantuan task. Sounds easy enough, just a little more food to prepare and your loved one will fit into your schedule. Do not be fooled. Older people can be so distraught over losing their independence that they think they can run the household and dictate what happens and when.
My 99-year-old mother doesn’t like the television set to music; talk through whatever she’s listening to, calling it trash. There is a piece of music that she likes, but only when she wants it to be played. If I go against her wishes, she sits with a scowl, spoiling my enjoyment anyway. Also in her world everything happens instantly when she wants it to! If she doesn’t get her way, she creates havoc, but at other times she can be sweet, playful, and a joy to be around. Anyone who knew her would think what a sweet old lady she is. It is true that she often she is in a lot of bread. she can’t see to read sew weave gold and the days must be very long and boring but she can be a very difficult companion.
Often the elderly are very worried about going to a nursing home when they can no longer take care of themselves, so it puts relatives in a difficult position, what do you do to improve? Perhaps the older they get, the scarier a care home sounds, while today’s old people seem to be planning ahead.
Having worked in nursing homes, some are very good with dedicated staff, also as a mobile caregiver, I thought I was well equipped for the task, but there are many situations I hadn’t anticipated. During the brief daily visits to his apartment, the incessant chatter about everything and anything was not apparent. Also, she is completely deaf, I am also deaf, so communication is difficult, I also love the peace and quiet to read, write and do what I like, therefore this new lifestyle is taking a bit of getting used to!
As you can imagine, the isolation of this current situation with the Carona virus and the endless period that goes on unabated is daunting. I used to get 2 hours a week off. Mom also looked forward to her trips and visits to hairdressers.
Well, there are many people worse off than me, with many patients dying in the hospital; whereas I had a mild dose of the virus and mum escaped completely which was a miracle as she was taking care of her during the infection.
Thinking of careers everywhere and the sick and lonely, May this wretched virus soon be under control.