Caring for a family member and the Caronavirus
Taking your elderly relative under your wing and into your home can be much more difficult than you imagined; so think hard before you start this mammoth task. Sounds easy enough, just a little more food to prepare and your loved one will fit into your schedule. Do not be fooled. Older people may be so distraught at losing their independence that they may think they can run the household and dictate what happens and when.
My 99-year-old mother doesn’t like the television set to music; talk through whatever she’s listening to, calling it trash. There is a piece of music that she likes, but only when she wants it played. If I go against her wishes, she sits down with a grimace, spoiling my enjoyment anyway. Also in her world everything happens instantly when she wants it to! If she doesn’t get her way, she creates havoc, but at other times she can be sweet, playful, and a joy to be around. Anyone who knew her would think what a sweet old lady she is. True, she is often in a lot of bread. she can’t see to read to sew to weave gold and the days must be very long and boring but she can be a very difficult companion.
Often the elderly are very worried about going to a nursing home when they can no longer take care of themselves, thus putting family members in a difficult position, what do you do to improve? Perhaps the older they are, the scarier a care home sounds, while today’s oldies seem to be planning ahead.
Having worked in nursing homes, some are very good with dedicated staff, also as a mobile carer, I thought I was well equipped for the task, but there are many situations I hadn’t anticipated. During the short daily visits to her apartment, the incessant chatter about everything and nothing was not apparent, plus she is completely deaf, I am also deaf so communication is difficult, I also love peace and quiet to read, write and do what I love, so this new lifestyle is taking a little getting used to!
As you can imagine, the isolation of this current situation with the Carona virus and the endless period that stretches on without let up is daunting. I used to get 2 hours a week off. Mom also looked forward to her trips and visits to the hairdressers.
Well, there are many people worse than me, with many patients dying in the hospital; while i had a mild dose of the virus and mom completely escaped which was a miracle since she was taking care of her during the infection.
Thinking of careers everywhere and the sick and lonely, May this wretched virus soon be under control.
