Quote:
Originally Posted by Skutch
She is dying of old age, doesn't have a terminal illness such as cancer, pneumonia etc. She goes to these discussion groups at the library, but after 30 minutes or so starts to get tired and loses track of the conversation. She talks about dying and the end being near constantly, very dark conversations which are hard to take. She doesn't especially like animals. Daniel_ thats the type of thing Im talking about...something that will just make her happy, period. I don't think she gets smashed, but maybe now might be a good time to remind her if she'd like to do that kind of thing.
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She is old, not dying from what you say. Has it occurred to you that she is depressed? You know it is hard getting old, your friends dying off, your spouse is gone, you are left requiring assistance to get to the grocery store etc. Most of these people hate asking for simple things like a trip to the beauty parlor, I have patients who haven't been on a shopping trip in many many years because they feel they are already asking so much of their family just in having rides to their doctors, ophthalmologist, etc. I would bet that for about 50% (likely more than that)of my elderly patients the only time they leave the house is related to their health care.
She says she wants to get out.. so take her out. She may be more vulnerable to infections etc, but what sort of life is it to sit in your chair at home all day? I have one blind patient who recently celebrated his 100th birthday at a roller rink, and yes.. he did skate. I bet she would be absolutely tickled if someone would only take her out for a cup of coffee or piece of pie now and then. In my experience, a phone call, letter, a short visit or greeting card really makes a big difference in the elderly.