Caring
We're very fortunate in Scotland to have free personal care for the elderly. In my father's case it allows him to remain in his own home, when otherwise he would surely be in an institution because he is too frail to look after himself, although mentally as sharp as ever.
He has four visits a day: in the morning, to help him wash and dress, and to get breakfast; at lunchtime and tea time, to prepare his meals; and in the evening to help him to bed. The carers also wash his clothes and bed linen. Beyond the physical help, they keep his mental world alive in a very real way. He knows all about their children and grandchildren, and they bring local news in to him to the extent that he is one of the best-informed people in the village.
And as we found when we arrived on Thursday night for the Easter weekend, they pick him posies of spring flowers from his garden.
You - and your father - are very fortunate. Here, the home care keeps getting cut back, in some cases to 2 hours a week. Your father must be well liked among his care workers!
ReplyDeleteI wish my country would get it's act together and set up something like you have for your father. So nice that he is well cared for (and I'm sure peace of mind for you)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that the personal touch is involved and he gets to stay at home. We really don't have a good elder care unless they put then in a nursing home, out of the home,
ReplyDeleteI am lucky that my father is getting 2 hours/day which helps my mum to deal with him and get him exercising and washed and etc.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. How he must anticipate their visits. It is being remembered that keeps us keeping on.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to have.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though Scotland has it's priorities right Linda. It's reall lovely to see that they pick him flowers, especially when I doubt that it's on their job remit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering the question about the bumblebee.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see that you have good arrangements for the care of the elderly. Especially when it's free. Here in Norway we also have good arrangements for the elderly, but it usually costs money.
Have a nice spring / summer.
All your comments really bring it home to me how lucky we are to have this system. With the number of elderly people increasing it's a big global issue that we all face.
ReplyDeleteI knew Scotland was the best place on earth. I just keep finding out I'm right.
ReplyDeleteHope the anti obamacare fans follow your blog to understand how things can be different
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed! It is not like that here but I am blessed that my mother lives with one of my sisters and it is working out beautifully! Amber has already told me I will live with her when I get 'old.' Do you remember the tea towel you sent me a few years ago? I see it everyday and think of Scotland and you! I stapled it to the front of my pantry door! It looks so pretty! Thank you again......
ReplyDeleteThis must be very reassuring for you, and is heartwarming to read. We have a neighbour in his nineties who was looked after in the same way until he had to go into our local cottage hospital for long-term care. In the hospital, too, the nurses and auxiliaries are just lovely. There is a peaceful, happy atmosphere there, and I know that they are genuinely kind and considerate to this splendid old shepherd.
ReplyDeleteThat is too precious that they pick flowers for him!!! I love that.
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