What made you sad today?

[LaurieHolden]

You've had a battle Stui. I know it's not a solution to your requirements on the aged care front, but the state of our aged care system for a country as wealthy and well resourced as Australia is an indictment on us all for letting it get to this point.

We all need to start our own education and transition to this phase much earlier.
Our capacity to make significant transformation of our living requirements both physically, mentally and finacially in my experience diminishes from about 65.

But to leave off on a lighter note somewhat within context of the aged care discussion, if you need a lift, I'll leave the following link-

https://youtu.be/oyNTapLGw8Y?si=QY6lQ29vDIqMcs6S

[stui magpie]

Can totally understand the mixed emotions, Stui. There’s certainly no shame in reflecting with some sadness despite it all. The great news here is that the right decision has been made by the court and that your grandson is going to have a great upbringing in a loving home. Your daughter sounds like someone you must feel immense pride over.

Thanks David, yes very much mixed emotions but now time for everyone to focus on the positives and move forward.

[stui magpie]

You've had a battle Stui. I know it's not a solution to your requirements on the aged care front, but the state of our aged care system for a country as wealthy and well resourced as Australia is an indictment on us all for letting it get to this point.

We all need to start our own education and transition to this phase much earlier.
Our capacity to make significant transformation of our living requirements both physically, mentally and finacially in my experience diminishes from about 65.

But to leave off on a lighter note somewhat within context of the aged care discussion, if you need a lift, I'll leave the following link-

https://youtu.be/oyNTapLGw8Y?si=QY6lQ29vDIqMcs6S

Thanks Laurie,

Things have worked out for my Aunt, her Son took charge, got her into the local Lions Hostel initially as respite, now he's going through all the paperwork and options to make it permanent. I don't think she realises yet that it's going to be permanent but her short term memory is basically shot so it won't make much difference. They look after people well there and she pretty much knows all the other inhabitants so she'll be good.

My mum is no real problem yet. She's comfortable living with me and I'm not overly inconvenienced so it works.

[Culprit]

Yesterday I ventured into the city to pick the Mrs and her friend up due to ongoing Train works. Parked at NGV (my parking is covered by work). The dog and I walked to South Bank to meet them at the Bar where the girls were inhaling cocktails. On the way near Hamer Hall an elderly woman fell over. The place was packed and I was 10 meters from her and yet I was the only one that went to her aid whilst everyone around me just kept walking past. Luckily she was OK, didn't hit her head and once we got her up she was OK. I was Sad and Angry that this could happen right in front of me.

[think positive]

That’s so shit, but I’m so glad you were there. Xx well done

[lazzadesilva]

Yesterday I ventured into the city to pick the Mrs and her friend up due to ongoing Train works. Parked at NGV (my parking is covered by work). The dog and I walked to South Bank to meet them at the Bar where the girls were inhaling cocktails. On the way near Hamer Hall an elderly woman fell over. The place was packed and I was 10 meters from her and yet I was the only one that went to her aid whilst everyone around me just kept walking past. Luckily she was OK, didn't hit her head and once we got her up she was OK. I was Sad and Angry that this could happen right in front of me.

I’m sad but not surprised. On one occasion my son and I were on the train back to Bendigo when some country hicks (3 of them) started sneering at and being bigoted towards these 3 young Vietnamese girls, saying abhorrent stuff about them sticking to kitchen duties or washing dishes etc. After a short while, I had had enough and confronted them about their behaviour. I gave them the chance to go to another carriage or else I would call the police to meet the train in Bendigo. They left the carriage but what got me was that not one other passenger helped or supported my son and me. It left me wondering if they somehow condoned the despicable behaviour

[stui magpie]

That's the way it is.

Months ago I was in the supermarket and one of the staff there, young woman, mid 20's, bit overweight was walking towards one of the shelves when she just hit the deck. hard. Don't know if she slipped.

I went straight over to her and asked if she was OK? Did she need a hand up? She said she was fine and got straight up and took off but you could see she was shaken up. No one else had even stopped to look.

Sometime a few weeks later, I was in the same shop and the woman spotted me and came over to say thank you for the offer of help and showing concern. She was too rattled at the time but when she recognised me, wanted to say thanks.

Doesn't take much effort to just show a bit of decency.

[stui magpie]

So not quite 6 weeks after my Aunty moved into the retirement hostel, she's now back in the Hospital in Palliative care, expecting her to die within days.

Her son has done a great job managing everything, the quick deterioration has been both amazing and sad to see. I took my daughter and grandson to see her on Boxing day, she was non-compus.

My theory is she's apparently had a few falls since moving in. She has a thing with a button hanging round her neck which she is supposed to use to call staff for help to go to the toilet or anything else she wants, but she forgot what it was for and tried to do things herself and just face planted.

Frequent falls means body bruising and cumulative head knocks which means her head get's quickly more and more scattered. No criticism of the place she's in, they are doing a great job, but it's not designed for high needs aged care people. If she had of moved in 12 months ago, things might be different but she went in too late.

I'm going back up on Monday, with Mum (I can't leave her alone atm for more than 30 minutes) and taking a suit with me. I'm anticipating attending a funeral very soon.

[pietillidie]

That's the way it is.

Months ago I was in the supermarket and one of the staff there, young woman, mid 20's, bit overweight was walking towards one of the shelves when she just hit the deck. hard. Don't know if she slipped.

I went straight over to her and asked if she was OK? Did she need a hand up? She said she was fine and got straight up and took off but you could see she was shaken up. No one else had even stopped to look.

Sometime a few weeks later, I was in the same shop and the woman spotted me and came over to say thank you for the offer of help and showing concern. She was too rattled at the time but when she recognised me, wanted to say thanks.

Doesn't take much effort to just show a bit of decency.

Nice work. People definitely appreciate it, even when they're too shy to thank you for the concern.

[stui magpie]

So my Aunty didn't quite last a week back in Hospital, died on Friday arvo.

The speed of the mental deterioration was incredible, within 2 months she went from living alone and being alert to not having a clue what was going on.

[Skids]

We said goodbye to Dad. He got through his prostate cancer a couple of years ago but pancreatic cancer got him.
No more pain now Dad, rest in peace.

[pietillidie]

^Oh, so sorry to hear, Skids. Take care, chap; it can feel empty and even a bit surreal in the aftermath, so keep good people close. Was he nearby, down in Perth or interstate?

10-plus years later I still think of dad all the time, like it was just yesterday.

[think positive]

We said goodbye to Dad. He got through his prostate cancer a couple of years ago but pancreatic cancer got him.
No more pain now Dad, rest in peace.

Oh mate I'm so sorry, regardless of your age or his, losing a parent is never easy.
hugs to you all, and may good memories heal your hearts xxx
cheers, jo xx

[Jezza]

Very sorry for your loss, Skids.

Condolences to you and your family.

[stui magpie]

We said goodbye to Dad. He got through his prostate cancer a couple of years ago but pancreatic cancer got him.
No more pain now Dad, rest in peace.

Condolences mate, cancer of any kind is a cnut of a thing.