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My Children Are Coming Today (poem)Mar 28 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Elderly parents are important, families need to explore all options before choosing the right treatment plans for their parents.
I want to start this opinion by stating that while I am not dealing with my parents become dependent on my (yet!) I am a nursing major taking a Gerontology class. While doing a homework assignment the other day, I came across a poem that an elderly parent had written, to me it spoke volumes, and when I found this category, I had to share my thoughts, and some of what I learned this semester in class, and from a text book, that I do recommend to ANYONE dealing with aging parents. The text for the class is GERONTOLOGY for the Health Care Professional by Walter C. Chop and Regula H. Robnett and is published by the F.A. Davis Company in Philadelphia. Check out http://www.fadavis.com for more information. This text covers everything from the physical to the emotional side of aging, and how to cope with the problems that arise, it will make you think, make you question your decisions, tell you what questions to ask the doctors, where to seek help, and what help is available. The most important thing it stresses is the feelings of the elderly adult, and how to cope with aging, and disabilities. To me, this poem spoke volumes, and just jumped out on what an elderly parent feels when their children try to help them, and to take care of them. My Children are coming today. They mean well, but they worry. They think I should have a railing in the hall. A telephone in the kitchen. They want someone to come in when I take a bath. They don't really like my living alone. Help me be grateful for their concern. And help them to understand that I have to do what I can. They're right when they say there are risks. I might fall. I might leave the stove on. But there is no risk, no possibility of triumph, no real aliveness without risk. When they were young and climbed trees, and rode bicycles and went away to camp. I was terrified. But I let them go. Because to hold then would have hurt them. Now our roles are reversed. Help them see. Keep me from being grim or stubborn about it, but don't let them smother me. Anonymous This poem comes from a competent aging women, who sees her position in society as threatened by her children. The chapter we are dealing with, gives information about what options are available for families with elderly parents, and would be a great resource for anyone who is looking into facilities for day programs, as well as live in facilities. Did you know there are adult protective services that can step in, just as child protective services act when children are in danger? Look for more information in your area, they can open up a world of resources for you and your family.  |
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