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Nursing homes are without a doubt a very necessary part of our society. Unfortunately, there are those that do need round the clock supervision and care. For those people, there are sadly very few that get out and return to an independent lifestyle.

I do think that the mere mention of a nursing home would be enough to sink the spirits of even
a patient that is able to regain health.

My mother fell a few years back and broke both her right arm and her hip. Being right-handed, this of course, put her in a very compromising situation. After her surgery for hip replacement, her doctor suggested a nursing home until she regained mobility. She was horrified at the notion.
My brothers and I pulled together to help her recover at home.

She has recently fallen ill and requires around the clock care. It is a warm feeling to know that
our entire family has pulled together to care for her ourselves with a minimal amount of help from hospice.

I do understand that a nursing home is often the only option for a person and especially those that do not even recognize family members. Also there are those that have no family at all.

Far too often, I have seen people put in a nursing home because their families simply can't be bothered. These people feel useless and unloved. Quality of life means everything for these people and their spiritual well-being plays a vital role in that. This much has been scientifically proved time and again.

It is very hard emotionally to care for a loved one facing a nursing home. It is without a doubt a drain on your time and your own personal freedom. I know this. I am currently caring for my mom each day from 10:a.m. to 3:00 pm. I also work full time 2nd shift and am singly raising my 13 year old daughter. There is very little personal time left over. Yes, it is very hard. Some days the only thing that keeps me going is the comfort in knowing that this is what my father would have wanted us to do for her. This is what families do. You pull together.

If you are ever put in this situation, you should gather up all family members and do all you can to keep your loved one from the nursing home. You will not only improve that person's quality of life, but your own as well.

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