Just before my grandmother's death, I cared for as a live-in provider. I had no nursing training or experience, but she was not bed-ridden or requiring care of that nature. She had a "hospice nurse" that came in once a week and showed me how to give her injections, which medicines she needed to take and when, and so forth. It was quite the experience, I can tell you that, and not one I would want to go through again.
But it was worth it because she was able to spend her remaining few years outside of a nursing home, where friends and family could see her, she could keep her beloved pets, and she was free to live in her own home. This is important to many older people and their families, but not everyone knows how to handle this trying time in their lives.
Follow the link above to Better Caring, a fantastic and informative site that helps families and individuals decide on the best methods for dealing with their elderly family members. They even have a forums area where you can share your stories and experiences with others. Find out as much as you can to ensure your loved ones are cared for properly in their final years.
A rambling melange of pop-culture.
