Are we a Pioneer generation?

I ask this because as an older person (62) I feel that nobody knows what to do with us as we age, help thats right for children isn't right for us, what will happen when we start getting age related conditions like dementia? Will we be tested as an NT person, will the tests be adapted for us? I mean it's no good putting down communication difficulties as a sign of cognitive decline when someones always had them?

How will we be accomodated in a care home? Will we be pushed in front of the telly that we hate, made to do sing songs to music that upsets us, will we just be seen as difficult and treated with a chemical cosh?

Will our generation be the ones where all the mistakes and abuses are made, whereby it will get better for those who are now in their 20's and 30's?

Do you think we should start agitating now and trying to put these questions forward before it's to late and we're unable to advocate for ourselves or each other?

Parents
  • I won't be able to cope in a care home. There is nobody in my life, so I don't really know what will happen to me if I ever become unable to look after myself. Killing myself may be the only viable option.

  • We probably have had a similar discussion before, but apart from what music we may like or not like in our care homes, nobody seems to want to engage with the subject, which is a shame as it's an important one.

    Paper, it's not a nice thought that death will probably come at your own hand, but one I'm familiar with, being allergic to painkillers except paracetamol, any illness will be painful and I'm unwilling to spend my last months in agony, I don't care what palliative care specialists say, there no help for me and they know it.

    But I could well feel as Paper does if I had to go into a care home, I can see myself being one of those patients, who resists, probably violently if somebody tries to make me do something I don't want to do. I'm worried about my food probelms not being catered for, and there being no proper coffee!

    From what I've heard staff go to great lengths to stop people being disruptive, like bringing in ghetto blasters and playing Prodigy, I'd prefer that to being force fed Abba and I will not be on the dance floor for 70's disco nights.

  • Sorry if my reply sounded a bit flippant, Cat. I was just trying to inject a bit of humour into what is a pretty depressing scenario. 

    Personally, I prefer not to think about it until it happens as I want to try to enjoy the years I've got left while I'm still relatively ok.

  • No, you didn't sound flippant, it's good to have a laugh about this stuff and I can understand why you don't want to have to think about it.

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