Hello and Welcome to my sixth attempt at the AtoZ blogging challenge.
My theme this year is Caring for the Caregiver. My posts are based on my experience and are not meant to be a comprehensive guide on the subject. I would love to hear your experiences..
You can catch up with my previous posts here.
With each post, I am sharing a sketch that I have done as a means for stress busting.
Own Surroundings
When elders are unable to live independently, take care of themselves then arises the most difficult question of whether they should live with their children, in an assisted living facility or by themselves in their own home with some extra help.
I have seen first hand people living in all the above three options. I find that the last one - namely living in their own surroundings, within the four walls (metaphorically speaking) that they have spent so many years in is the best. They have their memories, neighbours, things around them which keeps them connected. Pets if any also make a difference I am told. It also keeps them occupied mentally, as they can stay engaged in supervising the housekeeping, gardening and any other mundane taskes. They have their own TV and favourite channels that they can watch whenever and however long they want.
However, as I said before...
There is no one size fits all solution.
Every family has to find something that suits them best.
At best, posts such as mine will inspire a family to come up with their unique workable plan.
My sketch is in line with my word of the day. It is inspired by an embroidered wall hanging..
See you tomorrow with the P post.
Stay happy!
My theme this year is Caring for the Caregiver. My posts are based on my experience and are not meant to be a comprehensive guide on the subject. I would love to hear your experiences..
You can catch up with my previous posts here.
With each post, I am sharing a sketch that I have done as a means for stress busting.
Own Surroundings
When elders are unable to live independently, take care of themselves then arises the most difficult question of whether they should live with their children, in an assisted living facility or by themselves in their own home with some extra help.
I have seen first hand people living in all the above three options. I find that the last one - namely living in their own surroundings, within the four walls (metaphorically speaking) that they have spent so many years in is the best. They have their memories, neighbours, things around them which keeps them connected. Pets if any also make a difference I am told. It also keeps them occupied mentally, as they can stay engaged in supervising the housekeeping, gardening and any other mundane taskes. They have their own TV and favourite channels that they can watch whenever and however long they want.
However, as I said before...
There is no one size fits all solution.
Every family has to find something that suits them best.
At best, posts such as mine will inspire a family to come up with their unique workable plan.
My sketch is in line with my word of the day. It is inspired by an embroidered wall hanging..
See you tomorrow with the P post.
Stay happy!
4 comments:
This would be ideal but honestly, with my dad's Alzheimers and dementia, he didn't always recognize he was home, anyhow. But we managed it until he had a heart attack and required more medical care than we could manage at home.
But it felt awful to make that decision, for sure.
You have been in a heart wrenching situation @Jz.. Yes, at times we do have to make tough decisions... So glad that you stopped by!
There are times when a facility is the best situation, such as when a home is unsafe or when they are living alone. I agree with you, though, that whenever it is possible, home is the best place there is. I have been a caregiver since my husband was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2012. He was recently put on hospice and we chose in-home hospice. In many ways, his condition has improved since leaving the hospital after 2 weeks and coming home. During this new phase of the journey, there have been so many changes. But having him home has allowed our children--our whole family, really, to have an intimate look at a good death. One Thing A Day to Avoid Burnout
My heart goes out to you Heather. An experience that you have chosen makes us strong and understand Life as for what it is. I am so glad you husband improved after leaving the hospital. I am sure he is happier to. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
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