How to Not be a Burden
Photo: two types of ivy (large: English and tiny: Kenilworth) cascade over an ancient brown brick wall. They coexist but we have no idea which took root there first. Does it matter? Not really! In my work in senior housing, I see older adults on their good days and bad. For many, our independent living complex is the last stop of their autonomous lives. From here, they may move in with loved ones, go to assisted living or be placed in a residential care setting. A phrase I hear often is "I don't want to be a burden" - to my family, to my loved ones, to society. No one wants that, really. Most of us want to do for ourselves as long as feasible and then to impinge on the lives of others as little as possible. I admire, and appreciate, those who have made provisions for their future care by crafting a safety net of loved ones, services and systems. Planning ahead is the one thing we can do that will serve us when we are less able to do for ourselves. The "being a burde...
