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| Visiting at the Nursing Home |
During our nursing home visit with our dog, Abby, we met George. He is 92 years old but looks great! I thought he was in his 70s. He still drives and hopes to go home soon. In talking with him, it was like the conversations I used to have with my dad about his fear of running out of money. The nursing home cost him $140 a day and for long term stays, it cost $6,000 a month! He hated the thought of his money all being spent on a nursing home. George specifically requested for Abby visit him when he saw on the calendar of events that she would be coming.. He told us he loved dogs and had always wanted one but was never able to have one. He is a bit hard of hearing so doesn't like to watch TV and is so bored that he sleeps a lot because the days are so long. Our visit with Abby really brightened his day and he immediately perks up when he sees her.
I never knew anyone in their 90s until I met George (my dad lived to be 89). His mind is still clear but is worried about losing his license because then he won't be able to do his own grocery shopping and doesn't really have anyone to do it for him. Boy, did that bring back memories of how we used to do my dad's grocery shopping and how grateful he was. I never minded doing it for him but he often told me he didn't know what he'd do without me.
My mom and dad were both adamant about not ever wanting to live in a nursing home and I am glad that we were able to manage without either of them having to be in one. I'm sure none of the people who are in there ever wanted that for their future either, but some seem to cope better than others.
We have met lots of people that without Abby, we never would have met. Not only do we brighten their day with our visit, but we are blessed by them too. Visiting a nursing home is not at all what I thought it would be. It's like visiting with friends when we go now that we've been doing it for six months.
I like visiting people and breaking up their day, people love giving me treats! Woof! Woof!
(If you enjoyed this post, I'm sure you'd enjoy the book I wrote in memory of my dad about our family, his determination to live on his own and the struggle of being his primary caregiver: My Funny Dad, Harry available on Amazon (Kindle version or paperback) and Barnes Noble.)
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Joining in with Bozo's Pet Pride at Pets Forever.
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14 comments:
You're right, Karen. No one at a nursing home ever thinks they'd wind up there. My mom was also adamant about not going, but it unfortunately became necessary. It's great that you take Abby for visits. I was visiting my mom yesterday and someone walked down the hall with a small dog. And then it barked. My mom thought it was the TV! It's not normal to have pets come in , but I wish they would do it more often. Everyone likes to snuggle with a cat or dog. You and Gerard are doing a good thing. Keep it up!
You're a fine person doing wonderful things. Well done!
I think it's wonderful that you bring Abby there for visits. I know how much nursing home residents appreciate seeing pets. It truly brightens their day!
Happy Monday. ☺
You know that Abby is always a big Awww...to me. She's a good girl that spreads smiles wherever she goes.
What you are doing at the rest home is wonderful. Some families don't even visit their own family. I'm glad there are people out there like the three of you.
Have a terrific Awww...Monday. :)
I think the two of you are great for doing all the neat hings you do for others and if anyone has not read your book they should I still feel some how connected to Harry from reading it Abby you are a great aww Monday doing what you do to make people happy, Karen my friends mom is 98 still lives by her self nest door to her but does not drive
I bet Abby made george's day when she visited with him.
Awww...what a heart breaking but WONDERFUL story. I can understand where this gentleman is coming from because now a days you can't afford to be in a nursing home, or even an independent living area. Hubby and I checked in to independent living apartments, they are outrageous and it is ridiculous the kind of prices they want to charge people who are retired and on a fixed income. Heck by the time your done paying rent you can't afford groceries.
I am thankful that Abby and her humans get a chance to meet some of these wonderful people.
This is definitely an Awww...Monday story Karen and Gerard
Have a blessed day you three :)
God bless,
Jody
I always love a good story when elderly folks and dogs are involved. The dogs are always so sweet and patient and they made elderly folks feel like lonely too :)
Junk Drawer Kathy:
Sorry your mom didn't escape the nursing home scene. We are meeting lots of interesting people we otherwise would never have met if it weren't for Abby. Many do look forward to our visits and we always have a good feeling after visiting them. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Sandee and Jody: Glad this qualifies for your AWW Monday hop, wasn't sure since it was more than just a cute picture.
Sleepshort and Dana:
I know if either me or Gerard were there, we would love a dog visit! Some of the people actually even tell us we brightened their day. Thanks for taking time to comment! Abby says, Woo hoo!
Lucky Lady:
Wow, 98 and still living in your own home, good for her! It's nice her daughter is right next door, what a good arrangement. Bless her heart. Thanks for taking time to comment and for plugging my book too!
Mike:
Yes, she did! He even told us so the first time we met him.
Pu Niao:
I think you meant to say dogs make elderly feel less lonely. My dad had lots of cats who were great companions for him in his old age.
That's so nice that you take Abby to visit the nursing home and make their day! My aunt was just passed away at the age of 94 which was young compared to all her sisters who had lived to be over 100 but she was in a nursing home for awhile since she needed 24 hour care. Seeing a dog would have brightened her day!
Aw, Karen, that is sooo nice of you to take Abby over to see the folks at the nursing home! My grandma was in a home and she loved when the animals would come over to see her.
You are such a good egg, my friend. :)
Beaded Tail:
Visiting the people with Abby brightens our day too! These people are so appreciative and we love seeing their eyes light up when they see us coming.
Lin:
We enjoy Abby so much, she's such a sweet dog that we love sharing her with others. It's an adventure for her too which gives her something to look forward to each week.
You have a heart of gold making the visits- bless you!
We want to have our dog Lindy certified to visit hospitals and nursing homes. She loves people, and is quiet and gentle.
It's wonderful that Abby is making such a difference in peoples' lives.
K
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