By Nan Donovan, columnist
I’ve gotten two emails this week about the same situation. One was from a woman, the other from a man. The “situation” was one that probably is on most of our minds, but if you are like me, you put off making a decision until you positively have to.
The question? If you aren’t doing as good as you were, say a year ago, you are wondering what action should you take. For instance, is it harder today to dress yourself? Is there something about getting in or out of the bathtub when you shower or bathe? What if you should fall?
There are these questions and countless of others that goes through your mind and they are scary to think about.
Are you thinking about should you be living elsewhere, where you have someone around you if an emergency should arise? These are very real possibilities, but where do you begin to find out about the solutions?
First, if you have family or a friend who you count on to help you make decisions, talk it over with them. Find out what is available.
Call local retirement centers and ask them to send all the information they have on their establishment, such as would you be sharing a room or is there private rooms available? Do they have an active activities director? Most local places have many activities that keep their guest entertained, where you can intermingle with the other guests and get to know them. This is very important.
Do they have transportation, not only to take you to your doctor’s office, but for the more active, you might want to go out and do some shopping?
This all sounds like you are a person who does not have anyone else to depend on, but it’s not. Those of us with families probably do not want to bother family or friends. Others do, they want the attention. Each person has their own idea of what they want, who they can depend on. Whatever makes you happy.
The other solution is maybe you have a home that seems to get bigger every day. There’s all the cleaning to get done, it’s lonely not having someone to talk to, and you worry about being alone.
If you can afford to have someone stay with you, call the people who can help. They can be found on the computer under “Caregivers” or ask your physician to give you some names or give you some info, if they have it.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. After all, it’s your life and you should be comfortable, content and happy.
Till next time, be safe.
“The Right Age” is a weekly column written for senior citizens by 84-year-old Nan Donovan, who has lived in the Shenandoah Valley for 45 years. She has worked for newspapers, as well as radio and television stations, including WLCC. She moved to the Valley from Pennsylvania.
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