Nobody’s first choice is to live in a nursing home. Most people prefer not to move in with adult children or other loved ones either. Even if an older adult is open to the idea of a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) or assisted living, they are very expensive options.
While life may not always be fair, the crisis generated by a serious illness does indeed provide the caregiver with extraordinary and very real opportunities to demonstrate love. The demonstration of love for another will provide a lifetime of rewards for everyone, but in order to maximize its benefits, the caregiver must learn how be effective for themselves and their loved one.
A few days ago, I was at an event where a story was shared with me that I would like to share with you so here goes.
My father in-law was called by the police around 5pm informing him they found his wife sitting in a Walgreens nearly 45 minutes from home.
I would like to share a story with you. It’s a love story about a couple whose been married for over 50 years and in that time period they have shared many fantastic memories ranging from births of their children and grandchildren to bar mitzvahs and weddings to vacations both with family and ones the two shared by themselves.
Caring for an elderly person can sometimes be demanding to the point of taking us to the breaking point. Those of you who care for seniors at home, or in care facilities know how this feels. It is essential that we take time out to care for ourselves or we too will become sick.
Being a caregiver makes demands on your body, mind and spirit. Failure to take care of ourselves results in a failure to be able to care of others.
I was driving on I-75 earlier this week and noticed another Silver Alert. For those not familiar with Silver alerts they are notifications sent out by law enforcement in Florida (and possibly other states as well) notifying drivers that a senior citizen is missing.
Falls, for older people, are serious. They can significantly impair mobility and independence. They may lead to hospitalization and subsequent placement in a long-term care facility or nursing home. And as you get older, recovery is slower.
A few days ago I was introduced to Stanley. Stanley lives in Kings Point and is the president of one of the community associations. Stanley is helping Personal Living Alert place an ad in the Kings Point Life newspaper. When we approached Stanley the idea of us placing an ad he jumped at the opportunity to help.
A $50 value, yours for free!
