Blog draft April 22 26

Caregiving

With Rocky’s illness and death, now nearly 3 years ago, we were introduced to caregivers. They staffed our home hospice admirably for several months. At first the schedule was sparse, but as his needs advanced, their schedules expanded. If we had a problem, we called them for answers, and they often came to the apartment. They were godsends.

After Rocky died, I assumed I would be without caregiving. I was wrong. I was found in need of 4 hours per week for my age, mobility problems, and income level. I still have a caregiver for four hours weekly. She has been wonderful and helps with my laundry, vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the hard surfaced floors. I’m neat and tidy so my place looks good most of the time, but the tasks that demand standing, stooping and walking are difficult for me to do. She does them for me. I love it.

Now, my income has improved with the return of my university retirement income once designated by divorce to my ex-wife. With her death last October, I suddenly have income to travel, go out to eat, and alas, the almost certainty loss of my caregiver. I will miss her, but have asked her if she could schedule some time for me at my cost. She has agreed but that will depend on the hours she is assigned by her current employer. It is parttime so I think she will be able to work for me. I have my fingers crossed!

My experience with caregivers revolutionized my thinking about aging. We simply don’t understand early on what aging does to us. The slow accumulation of diminished ability hides the reality from us. At least that’s what I think happened with me. No longer; getting old means more difficulty moving around, simply put. Getting up from a chair, especially a low one at most restaurants, is an agonizing picture of decay! Standing and reaching up for a control on the microwave or dryer is a picture of nuttiness. Walking to the car in the garage without a walker is unthinkable. Getting in and out of the car is hard but it depends on the height of the vehicle. That’s why I love SUVs!!

Oh well, aging is better than the alternative and one gets used to living with growing impairments. It is just another part of living. Besides, it begs for creativity on how to survive without unnecessary movements. A little thinking helps quite a bit.

April 22, 2026

Remember the Epstein Files

 

 

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