As I make my way back into the workforce as a nurse, I'd like to take this moment and pause to think about my dream job, let me bend your ear for a moment! You see, when most people ohh and ahh over babies, as I do too, I have that same reaction for the elderly population!!! I love them and all they bring to the table....wisdom, insight, knowledge, and a wonderful sense of humor, all attributes that come with time! In our fountain of youth seeking socitey, their demographic tends to be misunderstood and pushed aside to some smelly old nursing home.
My first nursing-related job as an aid included offering bedpans, bathing, and dressing 30 elderly women living in a home and it was wonderful.....see that's how I know its my love and passion by including all of that in one sentence!
So opening my own "home" in the truest sense of that word....a place of rest, comfort, and love would be my dream. It would combine my love for God, people, design, and food hence "dream job"! But no urine scented stark hallways or grey lifeless food here, take a look:
{again remember this is my dream-like ideal}
And the gorgeous healthful, colorful, and appealing food:
Now that's aging gracefully in style! Thanks for letting me dream!
This is such an interesting post! I've always been partial to the elderly too for the same reasons you said and I really don't think we treat them well in this country compared to other cultures where there is so much for respect for them. If you were to open a home like this, there would be a wait list for years to get in!!!
ReplyDeleteLinked here from the LPM blog - I think this is an awesome dream! I hope you get to do it someday!
ReplyDeleteFound you on LPM. I am married with four children. My two elderly parents, with dementia, having been living with my family for over two years now. I love them, but am not a nurse and caring for them on a daily basis is getting overwhelming. It is also very difficult on our family life. I am becoming a prisoner in my own home because we can't afford outside help, and they can't be left alone for long periods of time. My family (hubby and 4 kids) are on vacation now without me.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your dream, I hope it becomes a reality. There are some nice assisted living places out there, but sadly, we can't afford them. I also can't afford to keep my parents here for much longer. It is not a lack of respect or love for them. It is becoming a necessity. I am sad and feel guilty most of the time because of the choices I'm having to make. God bless you in any ministry you do for the elderly. They will be blessed to have your kind and loving care.