4 Life Lessons I Learned Caring For The Elderly That You Need To Read Now By Zeppy Cheng for The Federalist
Even as sickness and death confronts us at every headline, with Christmas around the corner, there’s no better time to cherish what gives life meaning.
I work as a caretaker to the elderly. My primary job is to remain in their homes and help them with mobility, using the facilities, and quality of life assistance. Although I am relatively new to the field, I have discovered a few things that I believe can help those of us who plan to live to an age where we won’t be in complete control of ourselves.
Especially in the year of COVID-19, sickness and death confront us at every headline, in masked faces at the grocery store, and in prayer requests across social media. Ultimately, we must face our mortality whether we like it or not. But with Christmas finally around the corner, there is no better time to cherish what makes life meaningful.
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We love helping others and believe that’s one of the reasons we are chosen as Ambassadors of the Kingdom, to serve God’s children. We look to the Greatest Commandment as our Powering force.
1. Family Is Essential
The presence of adult children in the lives of my clients has been indescribably crucial. As I’ve seen many times, having children who can fight for you is better than any amount of money you could have accumulated over your lifetime. So that’s my number one takeaway: don’t get old without a family! Have kids while you can, and if tensions or division arise later in life, put your utmost effort into reconciliation.
Conversely, there’s the sad story of my Great Uncle Bob, a man estranged from his wife who never had children. Throughout his life, he became alienated from his extended family. Eventually, he washed up at a random nursing home that accepted Medicaid. Fortunately, my mother (bless her heart) found out and intervened to improve his quality of care.
When you’re old and unable to care for yourself, you need an advocate. Your children and grandchildren are your best legacy, and, in your twilight years, they will brighten your life more than any other accomplishment. In many ways, children and family are one of the only things that keep us from oblivion before our actual death.
