Old and Senile

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I want to share this cute little saying someone had on facebook a while back. Although it is humorous, and I did repost it on facebook, it exposes a real concern I think we all have.


I was reminded of an article I read of how Sandra Day O'Connor's husband had been moved to an assisted living center where he met another Alzheimer's victim. He fell in love with her and would sit on the porch holding her hand. He had no recollection of his wife or his children. As stated in the New York Times article, she was relieved he was happy again. I was saddened to think how this cruel disease had robbed them of their former life.

I often see children struggle to care for parents long after the loved one knows or recognizes them. Although there are many programs in place that allow the elderly, and sometimes not-so-elderly, to remain in their own home, sometimes it is not possible to keep them there safely and other measures must be taken. With that in mind, I have requested my children care for their dad and I, as well as they can, for as long as they can.  But when they can no longer do so without jeopardizing their own family unit, do what needs to be done without remorse.

Although I did request he come to see me from time to time, I specifically instructed hubby to go ahead and place me in a nursing facility if I no longer remember him or the children. As we often do when facing our fears, his reaction was the wise-guy remark, "What difference would it make if you don't know me?"

Comments

  1. MichaeleOctober 23, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    God I love that answer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 23, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    My best friend is caring for her husband with Alzheimer's... it is a cruel disease to be sure... the little saying is funny but in a sad way. Love your husband's humor!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Latane BartonOctober 23, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I went in one day to visit my husband not long after he was placed in an asst. living home to find him holding hands with a sweet old lady. He still knew me but he was the kind of guy that loved everybody and would see about them and this lady needed a friend .... so he was her friend. I rejoice in his wonderful personality and his loving ways. That did not mean he loved me less, just that he was connecting more with someone in his Alzheimers world.

    ReplyDelete
  4. PondsideOctober 24, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Such a lot to think about - but a very cute answer from your husband!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ElizabethOctober 24, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    This is certainly a concern for all of of a certain age.
    My mother in law had a long hard struggle with dementia. Horribly sad for all concerned.
    I just hope I don't inflict that on my own children.
    On a more cheery note, I have visited Eureka Springs Arkansas several times and really loved it!

    ReplyDelete

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