Caring for an elderly relative is complicated. Sure, the daily routine of caring for the physical and emotional needs of an aging relative may make one feel needed, loving, and kind, but the strain of watching the-often-unpleasant manifestation of aging may force us to confront the very issues we spend our whole lives avoiding. No matter how many warm and perhaps altruistic feelings one can experience in the process of caring for one's aging loved one, the feelings of helplessness, frustration and even despair are often not far behind.
While many people who care for an aging loved one, particularly in their own home, struggle with feelings of depression, existential melancholia and sadness, only very few of these folks seek physical and emotional help from others. Some may not seek outside help in order to avoid perceived criticism by self and others, perhaps believing that silent suffering signals a good, pure and selfless existence. Others, are simply culturally sanctioned to not ask for outside help. Yet there are those among us who bravely acknowledge and face the many different feelings and tribulations that the care of an aging relative may bring up, while managing to celebrate life, love, and humor in even this final stage of life.
Below, is a wonderfully inspiring story of how one grandson and grandmother team face the varied machinations of life together, and with humor!
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/01/caregiving-laced-with-humor/?ref=health
While many people who care for an aging loved one, particularly in their own home, struggle with feelings of depression, existential melancholia and sadness, only very few of these folks seek physical and emotional help from others. Some may not seek outside help in order to avoid perceived criticism by self and others, perhaps believing that silent suffering signals a good, pure and selfless existence. Others, are simply culturally sanctioned to not ask for outside help. Yet there are those among us who bravely acknowledge and face the many different feelings and tribulations that the care of an aging relative may bring up, while managing to celebrate life, love, and humor in even this final stage of life.
Below, is a wonderfully inspiring story of how one grandson and grandmother team face the varied machinations of life together, and with humor!
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/01/caregiving-laced-with-humor/?ref=health
RSS Feed