We've been staying close to home lately. It's become too difficult to go places since simple things like climbing in and out of the car, using stairs, being more than a few steps from a bathroom, and so on are just too much for Nana. Even with someone walking her, she's too unsteady on her feet to make going out worthwhile. This, and Grampa George's unscheduled dizzy spells, have kept us relatively housebound except for any necessary appointments.
Nana's pretty contented to stick close to home. Grampa George is getting claustrophobic. In order to cope with the boredom he naps. Alot. And it's not fair.
Since Grampa George can't drive anymore, he relies on me or other family to take him out. When I'm not home, someone at home has to take over for me, keeping a close eye on Nana so that she doesn't wander around on her own and risk another fall. It's time for a change.
Grampa George is going home. He's not so sure about the changes and was reluctant to admit that sitting around here waiting for an opportunity to get out and about was not good for him. But there is a better way.
We agreed that he'd have his very own housekeeper/caregiver/ take care of him, his medications, meals and showers daily. She'd also take him to appointments as well as any outings he wanted to go on. Now that we've found someone who introduced herself as his 'personal assistant' he feels like a VIP and is no longer housebound. He's homeward bound.
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What a great idea and so smart of her to call herself his "personal assistant." Isn't it amazing how something little like that can make such a positive difference when we are caring for the elderly parents and relatives in our family. :) Thanks for an interesting article.
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