By Lois E. Wilson
If you are married and growing older together, there may come a time when the situation occurs, one or both of you need help. You find daily activities and care are difficult or impossible. When I first thought about what we would do, I wrote this verse, “Caretaker.”
“Sometimes it’s you; sometimes it’s me. It’s what we do when there are two.
If it should be we both are ill or need more skill, we change the drill. Another soul must fill the role.”
I have been fortunate over my 80+ years to have had health-care givers who saw to my needs My “Doctor Roster” didn’t remain the same:
“It’s clear as we grow older. The list of our doctors grows. One treats an achy shoulder and there’s one for ears and nose.
There’s our medical proctor who is our family doctor, an ophthalmologist, a dermatologist, another for the heart, but then that’s just a start.
We hope the list will stay the same; or better, it won’t be as long. But we may have to add a name if other body parts go wrong.”
Before his death, my husband required long-term care in local facilities—and then hospice care. All my experiences with each were positive.
Due to two falls and consequences from them, I decided it was not wise for me to continue living alone. After the falls, I was temporarily in rehab and then moved permanently into a senior living facility.
The staff, their care, and activities for us are excellent. However, at times we must be a challenge to them. For example, there is “Avoidance:”
“A young caretaker on one floor, at times would find a resident’s recall poor. But more often, his memory was first-rate. One day he told her, ‘For things that I hate—whether I remember is protective. With my memory loss, I am selective’”
My “Thoughts of a Resident” has my view:
“You straighten my pillow and do so many other acts to ease my concern. I thank you for caring. You reply, ‘I should; you help pay my salary.’
Although your answer expresses fact, it surprises me. Then I see reflected in your eyes another answer, you truly care about my needs.”
To all the workers in the health area, keep your desire to help, to love, to care. The souls you touch may mend because you’re there. Thank you for caring!