No one prays to die young, and no one prays to suffer in old age. We all wish to live longer in good health so that we can enjoy the fruits of our labor. However, the reality of caregiving for our elders can be quite demanding. Taking care of elderly loved ones requires significant attention, consideration of their needs and preferences, and, above all, immense care.
This responsibility can lead to stress, fatigue, and emotional draining for the caregiver. I tried to put my Mom to stay with us, but she refused, not because she usually gives me stress but because she does not want to be a burden to us. I remembered the time she was sick; taking care of her was a toll on the whole house, my hubby, and the children; I didn't have to cook anyhow without considering her diet, bath, and care for her before stepping out for work. It was not easy at all.
When she was younger
However, for those who are financially secure, retirement homes often provide a viable alternative. In such facilities, professionals are available to offer the specialized attention and care that older adults require. It's interesting to note that old age can be reminiscent of early childhood; the elderly may regress in certain characteristics like that of infants. They become a baby in everything 🤔
Also, in retirement homes, they have the opportunity to interact with their peers, which can enhance their quality of life and reduce feelings of isolation. I recall a colleague who devoted herself to nursing her grandmother during a serious illness. The demands of caregiving became overwhelming; she became noticeably lean due to the stress and physical toll of her responsibilities. From changing diapers to feeding, bathing, washing clothes, and ensuring a clean living space, it was an exhausting endeavor for one person. My colleague fell ill multiple times as a direct result of this heavy burden, illustrating that caring for aging individuals is no simple task at all.
She is getting older here
In my opinion, placing our elderly loved ones in retirement homes where they can be cared for by professionals is often a beneficial choice. It not only provides them with the necessary support and social interaction but also allows caregivers the respite they need. However, it is important to acknowledge that retirement homes can be expensive, which raises additional concerns about accessibility for families. Don't put them there if you can't afford the expenses.
In a nutshell, taking care of our parents in old age should be a thing of joy for the sacrifices they rendered so that we can become somebody in life, without them, we can't be where we are today. However, their care is important. So, if we can't do it better, or we are too busy instead of neglecting them, why not consider retirement homes? And if we consider a retirement home, we should not abandon them in the hands of a caregiver.
Let's take care of them as they have done to us while we were young.
This is my response to the #hivelearners writing edition two on the topic of retirement HOMES
The images used are mine
