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What is Home Well Senior Care available?
QUESTION: I seek advice on seniors home care available.
My neighbour turned 95 yesterday. She's a grand old lady
who made it her business to mind the neighbourhood and
ensure that we were all informed. Her home, yard and flowers
are impeccable, her opinions unflappable, her advice
unstoppable.
We all love her dearly and have for the last 14 years.
Six months ago she broke her arm. She has been in a nursing
home since. In spite of the dire predictions that her arm
might never heal, it has, and she now has full function.
My two visits with her in the "home" have been both
troubling and hopeful. When we first arrive, there is some
confusion as to who we are, and a general sense of gloom.
Then a transformation takes place over the course of the
visit. She begins to ask about the neighborhood, recount
stories, tell jokes and laughs. She is her old self. She
forgets about the walker she is supposed to use as we walk
back to her room.
There is a network of neighbours who have made the same
observations. We are all distressed at the unfolding of
affairs. One cannot help but feel that the care being
provided by the nursing home is not really care at all, but
drug administration designed to minimize costs.
She needs home care, without a doubt. But other then
getting dressed in the morning and ready for bed at night,
her fierce independence and pride would carry the rest of
the day. She would get far more exercise in her home and
yard than at any facility.
She shares the house with her youngest son, who is 60 now.
A kind and gentle soul, he is partly disabled (one side)
from an aneurysm he suffered as a child. He shovels walks
and cuts grass around the neighbourhood with his good arm.
I am sure he would win an arm wrestling match with most
challengers.
We, her neighbourhood family, all feel that this lady is
entitled to live the rest of her life in her own home, damn
the consequences and dangers. She has a nice suite
downstairs and the house is close to SAIT, the U of C, and
Foothills Hospital.
She has very little income and always lived a frugal life.
The Seniors Home (shared room) is costing some $900.00 a month.
There are certain members of her biological family who wish
to maintain this arrangement. Her neighborhood family (and
the son she used to live with) have differing points of
view. There is no doubt amoung us that her health, well
being, and happiness would improve at home.
Ultimately the decision must rest with her. But she needs
informed and sensible choices.
What is available?
Thanks in advance to all who respond to this post with
consideration.
ANSWER: I commend you and your neighbours for the care shown .
I suggest to form a rotating care group in your neighbourhood so
every day there will be someone available to look after her basic
needs yet in the same time the individual burden would not be too much
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