Choosing Elder Care

Yesterday, I somewhat facetiously mentioned how I would be able to provide well for my growing family (I'm always adopting/rescuing pets and people). I even threw in a comment about the shoes I would collect (I have a thing for shoes).

Those who really know me understand that I did not choose to go back for an M.D. or to specialize in elder care because of the money. Those that don't, well, they have sharp tongues and speaketh of things they have no knowledge of.

Let's use some basic math to illustrate, shall we?

1. My mom was 1 of 11. Now, we're down to 8. 

2. All but 4 of my 20+ cousins are my mom's age. 

3. I am 1 child of a 1 parent household.

Throw in a few more factors and you'll see that I am more comfortable with what society calls my elders.

Moving on now, we'll superficially cover a few major encounters with elder care.

In the 80's, my aunt was in a severe car crash. We found out when we saw her mangled car on the local news. As a single mom without any supposed responsibilities, my mom was the designated caretaker. I was 7.

In the 90's, my beloved Grandmother was diagnosed with a softball sized tumor in her stomach. She wanted to die at home instead of risk death at a hospital but I was alone with her when the time came. My 13 year old self panicked and yelled for my mom and uncles, who promptly called for an ambulance. Gran passed the operation successfully and then caught double pneumonia. She died in the hospital like she'd predicted. I still feel horrible about that.

In 2005, my uncle lost his battles with COPD, emphysema, heart disease, and cancer. Prostate cancer returned as fast growing bone cancer. My mom and I were his caregivers.

For your sake, dear Reader, I will not go into detail as far as routines, adventures in treatment, etc. Sadly, many of you will no doubt understand what was entailed anyway.

There isn't anything I can do for my uncle or grandmother anymore and my aunt was recently diagnosed with dementia. I have a need to make things right, to fix the world somehow and a guilt over how my grandmother died in a place against her wishes. As a single mom, I also have a need to provide for my son.

Information Technology (or Computer Information Systems) is mentally challenging and something I will always love but specializing in elder care just seems like perfect fit for me on every level. It may also be what funds my medical education.

Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,