“Sometimes, even if you have children, ‘that care’ will be left to strangers.
Our family took care of the elderly and dying people at home. I don’t expect everyone to do that - we were in unique circumstances. But it saddens me that so many families today who could possibly do what we did, don’t even consider it. It’s also very sad that our economy discourages it, too.”
It is sad. We had some assistance of home health care, but one of us were with Mom 24/7 up until the night she passed away. For the last week, we had to double up with two of us each night. We had a shared excel spreadsheet where we each filled in when we could be available. I didn’t see my hubby or home more than a couple hours every few days during that final week. I wouldn’t change a thing. Mother was still very sharp mentally and we talked more in that last year when I was staying with her than we had in years. I have those memories.
I realize there is often contentious relationships between parents and some of their children and often between the siblings themselves. Luckily we didn’t have any of that to deal with and all worked together for what was best for mother.
Taking care of my grandmother was gruelling the last six months or so; but I wouldn’t change anything, either. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
It’s almost as if you relive their life in thought during those months of caring, and appreciate them even more.