I'm sure that when I'm very old, I'll be a body without a mind. But maybe my mind will have its own world it exists in. A garden, a vision of heaven, a room with my son, countless trees...... I fear only pain to my physical body... I'm likely to live in a nursing home where........There are callous and cruel, incompetent and abusive people. Would you be my guardian and my friend, and visit me? Would you do your best to ensure I receive humane treatment? As for possessions, I don't care if they're stolen. Can't take them with me. In the images of heaven in which I live, I'll pass into death unknowingly. With peace.
You seem to be at peace with yourself and your circumstances now. A nursing home might well be your best option. As for me, no way. I will simply ride off into the sunset and continue to follow whatever remains of my dreams. There are no perfect answers to such imperfect questions. Do your best with what you have is all any of us can do.
Interesting questions raised. I would say to do everything you can to keep your mind sharp and to know when your own death is imminent enough to tell others, “goodbye.”
Nursing homes are passé. My mother, still sharp for her age, with no funds of her own, is getting all the help she needs at home. The next step would be assisted living where she would have independence. The final step would be hospice with caring people all around.
For the past twenty years, I've had three helpers in my home that get me out of bed, and then take care of all my basic needs, allowing me to be free to write, and pretty much, do what I want. Sure, it costs money, but I saved for thirty years because I knew it was coming and I didn't want to burden my family or go into a nursing home. When that time comes, I will probably be here in my home saying goodbye to my employees and partner.
John and George are right. Some fortunate people do and can live at home. I used to be a CNA. I worked for my landlord taking care of his parents. A nursing home was not an option for them. My landlord wanted them at HOME. I took care of them until their death. They both passed away peacefully at home.
Don't you believe it. My next door neighbor is 94 and lived at home all of his life. I have interviewed many people in their 80's and 90's and most don't want to go to a nursing home. They exercise and eat right so they don't go there! So don't believe it and don't believe everyone who is old has to live in pain. The food we eat do make a huge difference. Amen!
This book summarizes life's ten toughest tests with ten passwords each to pass these tests. The current overload, speed of change and chaos are all summarized well enough to get to the Land of Simple on the other side quicker than usual.
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Nursing homes are passé. My mother, still sharp for her age, with no funds of her own, is getting all the help she needs at home. The next step would be assisted living where she would have independence. The final step would be hospice with caring people all around.
For the past twenty years, I've had three helpers in my home that get me out of bed, and then take care of all my basic needs, allowing me to be free to write, and pretty much, do what I want. Sure, it costs money, but I saved for thirty years because I knew it was coming and I didn't want to burden my family or go into a nursing home. When that time comes, I will probably be here in my home saying goodbye to my employees and partner.
Ron
John and George are right. Some fortunate people do and can live at home. I used to be a CNA. I worked for my landlord taking care of his parents. A nursing home was not an option for them. My landlord wanted them at HOME. I took care of them until their death. They both passed away peacefully at home.
Many blessings,
+Linda
Peace, love and blessings be with you,
JMD