Have you ever thought about some of the things you'd like to change in our world? An issue that has been bothering me for some time is the elderly and how they are treated.
About a year ago I had the opportunity to see first hand what a day in the doctor's office was like, after taking my Godmother for an office visit. That day in the doctor's office was exactly that for my Godmother.
She spent almost 1/2 a day sitting in an outer office waiting to be seen by her doctor. She and other seniors in the room played musical chairs, as they moved from the waiting room to the waiting table, then sat who knows how long before the doctor entered the room. That is not my idea of a day of fun.
Reading a book as I sat in my car waiting I began to seriously think something happened to her because she had been gone so long. After almost two hours I walked into the waiting room that was still filled with the same patients; most of the faces I recognized as entering after godmother.
The receptionist informed me mother had gone in to see the doctor five minutes earlier. Another hour passed before I finally saw the tired body of my godmother exit. More than three hours had passed since she walked into the medical building. I wonder how long she would have had to wait if she not been on time for her appointment, and the thought angers me.
A senior's time is valuable also and living to be a certain age puts you in a special category.(I beleive)living to be 65 earns you a PHD in life. That sometimes overrules any Medical degree that could be earned.
Eventhough I'm not there yet (65) it frightens me to think what it's going to be like for me and many other baby boomers that will also be seniors before we know it. In the words of the much older people "JUST KEEP ON LIVING'.
9/2004
Since I first wrote this I've seen elder abuse more than I care to think about; neglect by family members (especially their own children) is probably the worst form. I think it's sad that mothers especially are being treated so poorly. Those that choose to use the "Mommy Dearest Excuse"; please know it doesn't work anymore, and many of the parents who raised their children using "tough love" now have children they can be proud of. Those belts, switches, and other chastising methods used moderately made us the people we are today.
For those wishing for the early demise of their elderly parents because a meal ticket, free place to live or a few bucks in your pocket are imminent, just remember one day you will hopefully grow old.
If you happen to be lucky enough to live to be the age your parent/s are and have children of your own just remember pay back is hell, in other words what goes around comes around.
(Since I wrote this my god mother and one of my good friends whom I feel was mentally abused by her children both passed.)
(C)Copyright 2005, Kay Durden
Kay's thoughts about healthcare, and the treatment of those of us over 50.
In addition she wrote about the way seniors are being treated by some of those in the medical profession.
The subject of seniors is one dear to her heart, her first book about seniors, "Reflections of the Heart" is a book of poetry, prose and short stories published in November
2005, and can be purchased through Amazon, Waldens, and the publisher Airleaf.
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Kay Durden's Interview
