SENIOR LIVING HOMES

There comes a time in everyone's
Life when it's not safe to live alone.
Some move in with family, or go
To assisted living--some nursing homes.

These days there are ways for
People to stay in their homes
With trained people to care for
Them so they have help and aren't alone.

There are also more assisted living
Facilities where they can have their own
Apartment with their own furniture, cook
For themselves or go to the main dining room.

Nursing homes are somewhat better
Then they were years ago.  They
Still have to be up to code.  Check
For bed sores or elder abuse everyday.

They walk the halls endlessly with
Walkers or wheelchairs.  Some
Wait for visitors, family or friends--
But they never seem to come.

Sometimes it may be out of sight,
Out of mind.  Others can't take
Visiting there--so they check
By phone or send a card.  Heartbreak.

Those with dementia don't know
Where they are--they don't recognize
Anything or anyone that might visit--but
You know who they are, they aren't in disguise.

Those who are left there with no visitors,
Just stare into space blankly and you
Can see the light in their eyes go out.
And they withdraw--nothing else to do.

I've had personal experience of
Loved ones going into nursing homes.
The decision can tear you apart--
Anyone whose dealt with this knows.

As I've said:  There are better places
Now for the elderly to live their "Golden Years".
But there is no getting around all the
Sadness, crying and fears.