THE LONELY HEART OF THE ELDERLY

We are sometimes guilty of neglecting the elderly, we sometimes believe if we give them shelter, keep them clean, help them financially, that this is enough for them. Some are left to look after themselves with whatever little they have.

What we sometimes overlook is, that they are humans and not to be placed in a corner in a rocking chair with no social conversation except probably watching television. As we go ahead with our busy lives and not have any time for them, their hearts need to speak to another heart or it will wither and die.

I saw a lady who was being taken care of; food to eat, bathe properly and made to feel ‘clean’ and ‘comfortable’, but as soon as the bath was over, she was made to lie on her bed and sometimes sit on a chair. No short drives, no leaving the home, no conversation passed between the caretakers, which were her family, whom she assisted when she was ‘up and about’, except how are you doing today.

No telling of what’s happening around her, no visitors as she couldn’t walk. I swore if visitors were allowed, they might have made her feel better as they would have shared conversations and exchange pleasantries with her.

Whenever I visited her, I found it important to have conversation with her and it went from politics to personal and simply telling old stories. We must listen to their hearts, they still have a story to tell. They should not be silenced.

I realized that she still had all her memories intact, she understood and was never incoherent and was joyous to hear the happening on the outside and responded with her opinions as well, though she could not walk to see it, I brought it to her and made her feel she is still important and not waiting around to die.

Sadly, she died but I am contented in my heart that she didn’t die clueless as to what was the latest happenings in the world, and around her, and who were her latest relative etc.

No one knew of the conversations I had with her on visits. As her family chatted about her after she died, they always said she had no idea what was going on around her. I was bold enough to say, yes she knew, I told her.

Are some of us guilty of that kind of practice, do we assume as long as one is fed, clothe, has everything financially they are happy. A heart needs to talk to another heart or it will wither and die. Don’t push them aside.

Take time out and visit the elderly probably your family or friends or someone you knew while growing up, who was kind to you. They still appreciate a tender touch or a warm smile, talk with them you’d be surprise how much wisdom you would gain.

Why do you leave me all alone
Now that I am old, weary and worn
I cared for you when you were young
Now all I hear is the sound of an empty room

I need to hear a comforting voice
To let me know everything’s alright
You pass to look only once in a while
As though your face can’t share a smile

My child, love and attention is sublime
Money and gifts won’t replace your time
Not only to see you on special days
But to be told and shown I m loved always

I need to have lively conversations
To smile and be enlightened of situations
I still have views and can give an opinion
And not made to feel like I’m unimportant

Written by Dc Perez Copyrighted 2009/06/20