The slow ride of long life ends with a few tell-tale roadmarkers along the wayside if you can read them. For many I have known or cared for, the great decline begins with a fall.
It always starts with a fall.
Generally there is another fall. And another. And another.
Eventually something breaks or bleeds so badly hospitalization is required.
Moving to a facility is next. Or staying in the hospital.
The great trick is to decide when the move from independant living to assisted living or from assisted to intermediate care is necessary. If you get there on time, you avoid alot of unpleasantness. People still want to save each other from themselves but the fact of the matter is that when you are in your 90's, your safety has to come first. You have the right to fall. You have the right to live at risk. But at some point your health and safety come before that right.
If you are a significant risk to yourself, you need to be put out of harm's way.
It is always sad though.
Always a tough call.
*sigh*
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Gravity is a contributing factor in nearly 73 percent of all accidents involving falling objects.
Dave Barry
