Concerning Eeyore and Rocinante

[mamagotcha]

So you remember Eeyore, the depressed donkey that was always gloomy and morose in the Winnie the Pooh books? I've been ruminating upon him lately, because I bet the poor old bastard had arthritis.

Comments

[eub]

One idea I've seen is the "virtual village", constructing local community to support people staying in their homes while getting some connection and help from volunteers in the neighborhood. The one where we are is http://nestseattle.org/about-us/ , and I ought to do something with them...

I don't have experience to know what this does for the problems people have. I am a bit worried it would help the people with small problems and not be equipped to deal with the big problems -- but small is a start, at least. Maybe it could help some people from spiraling downwards.

[mamagotcha]

That looks very interesting! Thank you for mentioning it. Maybe there's something similar here...

[lauradi7]

Seemingly small assistance can be huge, in terms of quality of life and prevention of problems - the first example that popped to mind: if the organization handyperson changes the bulb in someone's porch light, the elderly resident hasn't stood on a ladder (or worse, a chair), and the steps are better lit. Double fall prevention.

[lauradi7]

Beacon Hill village in Boston was the original of the stay in your home with communal help idea, but there are lots. If you read "Being Mortal," by Atul Gawande (and everyone should), there are stories about a number of options

[ext_3343688]

A friend who's about my age is planning to place a tiny home in the back yard of her large Victorian, so she can move into the tiny home and rent the Victorian out to a family who can keep an eye on her.

E and I are planning to convert the top story of our house into a caregiver apartment that we can offer rent-free to someone who can help with the physical tasks this place requires, as well as to keep an eye on E when I'm traveling (if I'm still traveling by then; if not, to keep an eye on both of us).

Of course, these are both solutions for homeowners - but maybe they'll act as sparks for some other ideas?

[mh75]

There are geriatric housing solutions. There are any number of places where one can get a condo and get help ranging from zero to nursing care. (Usually you have to buy in while you are relatively healthy, and, usually they do require some investment. However, usually they also provide perks like classes, community, and communal meals so you don't have to cook every one for yourself.)
I have so much respect and admiration for my aunt and uncle who moved to one BEFORE they became so disabled that it was hard to make the move or make the decision.
Of course, the ones I'm familiar with seem like condominium buildings, but I can imagine that there are other options - small cabins, etc.

[mh75]

I think part of the key is to not avoid the issue. I don't think it is too soon to invest in our health so we are healthier when we are older. This might include paying attention to our mental health.

I don't think it is too soon to think about taking care of our homes so they are in better shape, or removing belongings that aren't contributing to our lives.

And I don't think it is too soon to think about how we want to spend our days, or pass on our things.

I can't fix getting old, or not feeling well, or the inevitable truth that some day we are likely to be alone. But I do feel like taking some action to address these issues, no matter how small an action, can only help.