When my grandfather was still alive, I remember we had a number of male nurses hired to look after him, head to foot, every morning, mondays to saturdays. It was like having an older brother around and we considered them part of the family. We would invite them to family dinners, birthday gatherings or even holiday feasts. Such supporters are a big help since they were used to taking care of very cranky elders and they know how to alleviate the crankiness into something more mellow and tolerable. You had to hand it to them for their degree in patience. We know its part of their practice but to apply it everyday from a very cranky senior is hard work. I remember having moments of arguments with my grandfather because he got into my nerves a lot and I’m just happy that someone else could be an ouput to his words.
Don’t get me wrong. I loved my grandfather. There are moments though when impatience gets the better of things and though I know it isn’t right I wanted to leave him alone and he can rant for all I care. At the back of my mind though, I knew I would feel guilty afterwards so I end up frustrated and depressed afterwards.
Nurses are a really great help. It was a good thing those referred to us by my godmother (who is a doctor) were good ones and we had good relationship with them. It must be the reason why we have so many Over seas contract workers, most especially caretakers, going abroad to take care of elderly people. The Filipinos are known for their patience and dedication to work. Not to mention, their respect for their elderly.
If anyone needs helps on finding nursing home information, I’m sure you will find one locally in the internet. Remember to always search for the best in the field, someone you could trust since you are handing to them the welfare of your loved one.
