The Elderly - Page 6

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@Elvita wrote:
We are more merciful to animals than we are to other humans. What does that say about us?

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@Elvita

Where is that happening?

There are people who mistreat animals and get away with it, from dog fighting to elephant abuse.

Not to mention kill centers that pass as shelters.

What IS your alternative for the elderly?

AKgirl2 · ‎05-24-2016

@happycat wrote:
I just want to say, if you are looking for someone to care for a loved one, no matter how wonderful this caregiver seems to be, please get a background check and actually call and speak with references. Also, once this person gets hired, don't just leave your loved one to the mercy of who you have deemed acceptable. Go visit unannounced if you can, while the caregiver is there. You really can't trust people these days.

@happycat ~ sad, but true! After my mom passed ('98) dad realized he needed help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and getting to drs. appointments. Dad was mobile, did not need assistance with showers, the bathroom and he dressed himself. There was a woman who went to the same church, same nationality and just 5 yrs younger. Long story short, my father hired her as a live in housekeeper. The arrangement was free room and board, (she had a private bedroom/bath suite) $300/wk, plus $100/wk for groceries. I did fly in unannounced to "see" how things were. There was barely any food in the house, thread bare in the fridge. Dad said all she makes is sandwiches and heats up canned soup or ramen. The house wasn't what I consider clean, same for laundry. I had a talk with her and said I wasn't happy with what I saw, especially the fact that my father had lost quite a bit of weight. She gave her notice right there and then (didn't like my comments). I told her we didn't need a notice, just for her to leave as soon as possible.

We sold the contents of the house, put the house on the market and shipped the car. Gotta say, dad was so happy and relieved.

"There is no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind."

september · ‎03-09-2010

Something I've observed, that I find very sad, is prejudice that exists among many people who are considered "seniors" and I won't state an age since this differs widely.

I've seen on this board, as well as at assisted living communities, that many seniors want to separate themselves from "all those old people".

I think it must be due to fear....that someday, they too, could be the person in that wheelchair, or the resident wearing the Depends?

yes, many people remain sharp and capable into their 80's or 90's, but to pretend that this is the norm, is sticking your head into the sand.

Obviously, anyone who has reached age 80 or over, has taken good care of him/herself. That's commendable. But no one gets out of this world alive and we are all getting older every day. Body parts wear out, the brain cells stop being replaced. It's just reality...sad, but true.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

@september anger is the last resort of a person who isn't comfortable in their own skin. I wear my age like a medal. I'm proud of it

Mutton dressed as lamb, has no appeal for me, nor does it impress me

AKgirl2 · ‎05-24-2016

@Zita wrote:
oh for pete's sake, all this whining! And condecending! I'm what you'd probably think of as "elderly" but i certainly don't view myself that way at all. Just bought a pair of IM tanks to go with all my sweaters and Joan Rivers's oriental jacket.

We do just fine without your crocodile tears. Go help the homeless. The abused children. The mentally challenged. Now there are good places for your supposed goodwill. There's nothing sad about being/getting old as long as you can wake up each day, move your limbs and tackle your life!

@Zita ~ you're right, but like you mentioned "as long as you can"....) the misery comes into play when one is barely able to do all the necessary daily things. Sometimes the people are not old, just too ill. No greater wealth than your health and peace of mind.

september · ‎03-09-2010

@cherry wrote:
@september anger is the last resort of a person who isn't comfortable in their own skin. I wear my age like a medal. I'm proud of it

Mutton dressed as lamb, has no appeal for me, nor does it impress me

I know....I will try to be more understanding.

My feeling is that if you've gotten beyond the age when most of your peers are literally gone, or in Memory Care, you should not only count your blessings, but be mindful and aware of the ones who aren't as lucky.

After a certain age, I do believe there is a lot of luck involved in how you fare in your later years.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

@september wrote:
@cherry wrote:
@september anger is the last resort of a person who isn't comfortable in their own skin. I wear my age like a medal. I'm proud of it

Mutton dressed as lamb, has no appeal for me, nor does it impress me
I know....I will try to be more understanding.

My feeling is that if you've gotten beyond the age when most of your peers are literally gone, or in Memory Care, you should not only count your blessings, but be mindful and aware of the ones who aren't as lucky.

After a certain age, I do believe there is a lot of luck involved in how you fare in your later years.

I come from a family that is long lived. That is nothing I have done, it's just genetics. Any of this can change in the drop of a hat

I wasn't surprise at the nasty post. The same poster said of mail delivery people ,they deserve to be fired on Christmas Eve. Bitterness is a bad trait to carry around. It ages one terribly

Pqfan · ‎03-09-2010

I never had to worry about my grandmother being scammed.

She would have them running for the hills!

I did worry about her safety sometimes though but she was okay thank goodness.

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@september wrote:
@cherry wrote:
@september anger is the last resort of a person who isn't comfortable in their own skin. I wear my age like a medal. I'm proud of it

Mutton dressed as lamb, has no appeal for me, nor does it impress me
I know....I will try to be more understanding.

My feeling is that if you've gotten beyond the age when most of your peers are literally gone, or in Memory Care, you should not only count your blessings, but be mindful and aware of the ones who aren't as lucky.

After a certain age, I do believe there is a lot of luck involved in how you fare in your later years.

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There's another factor to consider, survivor's guilt, which can make it difficult to count one's blessings. Especially when essential people in their support group are gone.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

While I was dealing with the care of my parents, the one thing I learned was that a book needed to be written on the "how and what to do" as a guideline book. There's may things that can go in all directions, but it needs to start somewhere. Yes, different states have different laws. There's all kinds of books and guides for things out there, but nothing to help the families help their relatives. This is one area that a lot of help is needed.

More people need to know what to do before they get to that stage of not being able to help themselves.

This is such an important area in everyone's life and there's no real help. Attorney's could be a big help, physicians, etc., all the professional people who are paid for their advice. I still say, someone should be doing this for families and for those who have only themselves to rely on.

I'd love to see that book. All the info in one area. But that's just how I see it.