The majority of my fellow residents at the nursing home are in their late 60's on up to their late 90's. The median age is 76, I think. Some of the residents have Alzheimer's or dementia of some type and many residents are not capable of meaningful communication. Some people are transient, meaning they are here to rehab and move on. A few are sent here to die quickly. That's sad seeing anxious, crying, greif-stricken faces. Some residents are simply non-social for whatever reason. Consequently, meaningful conversation only occurs between myself and caregivers, friends, and family (in that order), Rather than fellow residents.
Oh, I attempt conversation all of the time. Mostly, it's an exercise in futility but I try anyway. The few that are conversant can no longer understand me since my mouth and face muscles weaken. It's a tough reality. Luckily, I can still smile and say, "hello", "hi", "bye", and "no" when I need and want to.
I'm one of three of the youngest people in residence at this time and since January. I am the only resident with ALS. There is one man with advanced MS and another with MS-like symptoms but he cannot articulate what he actually has. This facility has had two other residents who had ALS and both of them had long since passed away. I learned that the woman passed at a church social after choking on food. God, I hope she went directly to Heaven.
It is a challenge for me as a youngish person living in a nursing home. I'm not into playing bingo and I'm physically unable to play; karaoke is out; exercise class is a bust; Uno and other card games require manual dexterity. My remaining options are church and the AA meeting I started with a little help from my friends. I've been known to attend both. (chuckle, chuckle) And manicures and scented hand washing, which I am all about. Movie day is an activity I participate in IF it's not an old, crusty rerun. Other than that, I try to get a look at FaceBook and work this blog.
Oh, I attempt conversation all of the time. Mostly, it's an exercise in futility but I try anyway. The few that are conversant can no longer understand me since my mouth and face muscles weaken. It's a tough reality. Luckily, I can still smile and say, "hello", "hi", "bye", and "no" when I need and want to.
I'm one of three of the youngest people in residence at this time and since January. I am the only resident with ALS. There is one man with advanced MS and another with MS-like symptoms but he cannot articulate what he actually has. This facility has had two other residents who had ALS and both of them had long since passed away. I learned that the woman passed at a church social after choking on food. God, I hope she went directly to Heaven.
It is a challenge for me as a youngish person living in a nursing home. I'm not into playing bingo and I'm physically unable to play; karaoke is out; exercise class is a bust; Uno and other card games require manual dexterity. My remaining options are church and the AA meeting I started with a little help from my friends. I've been known to attend both. (chuckle, chuckle) And manicures and scented hand washing, which I am all about. Movie day is an activity I participate in IF it's not an old, crusty rerun. Other than that, I try to get a look at FaceBook and work this blog.
Comments
Post a Comment