My wife and I meet your “orphan” definition. We’re only 81 years old. My wife was diagnosed with dementia nine years ago. We have two sons, one in Alabama and one in Idaho.
Fortunately we belong to a local Christan church with a Senior Adult Ministry and a Sunday School Class that provides fellowship, support and meals when we are sick or have surgeries. They check on us through out the week. We are Blessed to have people that love us! Even though we aren’t biologically related. God Is Good!
It was extraordinarily easy to adopt my mother as she became increasingly dependent. She is and has always been an angel. I remember it was similarly easy to adopt her mother, although dementia eventually made it hard. My grandfather was far more of a "task". I know he hated the memory care unit he ended up in; my older brother, bless his heart, would go and read to him (bible, mostly). Adopting a non-parent in their dotage can be even more of a challenge. One doesn't have the prior history, they may be suspicious, resistant, any number of other barriers. Taking on financial stewardship and support is an even greater commitment, with potential pitfalls of multiple types. We clearly need more attention to this issue, guidance and accommodation for the significant undertaking it is to adopt a senior.
I was amazed in my Hospice work how many people had nothing to say about their fathers. Mothers, yes. Fathers, no. A lot of unwillingness to remember the violence and alcoholism, I believe.
My wife and I meet your “orphan” definition. We’re only 81 years old. My wife was diagnosed with dementia nine years ago. We have two sons, one in Alabama and one in Idaho.
Fortunately we belong to a local Christan church with a Senior Adult Ministry and a Sunday School Class that provides fellowship, support and meals when we are sick or have surgeries. They check on us through out the week. We are Blessed to have people that love us! Even though we aren’t biologically related. God Is Good!
It was extraordinarily easy to adopt my mother as she became increasingly dependent. She is and has always been an angel. I remember it was similarly easy to adopt her mother, although dementia eventually made it hard. My grandfather was far more of a "task". I know he hated the memory care unit he ended up in; my older brother, bless his heart, would go and read to him (bible, mostly). Adopting a non-parent in their dotage can be even more of a challenge. One doesn't have the prior history, they may be suspicious, resistant, any number of other barriers. Taking on financial stewardship and support is an even greater commitment, with potential pitfalls of multiple types. We clearly need more attention to this issue, guidance and accommodation for the significant undertaking it is to adopt a senior.
I was amazed in my Hospice work how many people had nothing to say about their fathers. Mothers, yes. Fathers, no. A lot of unwillingness to remember the violence and alcoholism, I believe.