Today was my hospice house day. There are so many volunteers that there is a full time paid staffer who's only job is keeping track of us. I was surprised to see as many men as women there. Most were fairly young. The main focus of today was packing medical supplies which basically was taking stuff from big bags and putting then into small bags-rather mindless but gave us a chance to chat. The men gravitated to the hand trucks and box cutters while the women did the "delicate" chores. Me being me I grabbed the box cutter when I needed it and had no problem lifting 30# cartons. What was interesting is that no one asked why the other person was there. It is a private issue. The woman I was working with was my age. Her sister is terminal and being cared for by her daughter. The woman, herself, had lost her very young son and his wife to terminal and lingering illness. Their kids were only 12 and 14 at the time. It seems there is enough misery to go around.
I'm not really a goody 2 shoes. It's a matter of paying back. I live in a lovely gated community with every possible amenity. There are several similar communities nearby. The huge difference is that somehow ours became a caring community. Neighbors really help each other. During my daily aerobics class we often discuss neighbors needing help. I would even be comfortable "borrowing" someone's husband to help with something I can't do. My (our) kids have always been supportive-to the point of taking me on vacation many times. You've heard me say it before-we live on one small planet and if we don't look after each other what is the point?
Our church is like your community Bluedaze*. Everyone cares for everyone else and we are known by the community as the place to come for help. When you're in that atmosphere all the time you want to do more and don't want to sit and watch the world go by. Kudo's to you and all that make helping their job.
Spent another day packing medical supplies. One of the volunteers is a young asian man. He has completed pre-med and can't get into med school as there are no openings. I asked for and finally got my permanent assignment. I will have four end stage AD patients in a facility. I think I will enjoy trying to make someone happy while knowing I can always go home with no guilt. I requested a facility near my home and interestingly it is with the huge corporation that my daughter works for. It will be interesting to see if the corporate promises are kept as far as patient care.
I just got back from my hospice visits. It is 88° and the sun is shining. The memory unit is a dream. All soft colors and lots of little nooks and crannies that folks can hang out in. Everyone was up and dressed well. Aides are delightful. Full time memory care program coordinator who doesn't just sit people at a big table. She knows everybody's likes and dislikes. Staff were in pastel uniforms and looked happy. They had some of the residents up and dancing. So much enrichment and socialization that a person couldn't have at home. It is the kind of place that doesn't make you feel you have abandoned your LO.
That sounds so great. I have been thinking about the many movies/made for TV movies, etc. about AD spouses and I can't remember seeing one where the spouse wasn't mobile. When I think of them I think if my dh was that mobile would I place him? I am wondering if others have felt the same way about these movies, etc. I have always said I wanted to take care of him to the end at home, but as things progress I know I will not be able to do that from a physical standpoint on my part.
Sad meeting at hospice today. Many layoffs in preparation for some massive reductions in reimbursement. Does not bode well for spouses at end stage who have plateaued.