Comments | mela_lyn: My New Russian Friend

mela_lyn

My New Russian Friend

Sep 22, 2007 10:06

So I made it to the retirement home, which thankfully is only 15 minutes from home and easy to find. It was scarily easy to get up and into Pyotor's room. All I had to do was sign a sheet then up I went! So much for security, right?

When I found him he was sitting quietly in the dark, I think half asleep. Apparently he's mostly blind, the poor ( Read more... )

music, christian, blind, russian

Comments 9

lady_foxx September 22 2007, 15:00:57 UTC

My grandmother was blind and I did many things to entertain her. Also there is a library for the blind that provides a free specialized tape player blind people can use to listen to books on tape. They send the player and tapes, someone would have to read the list or they can send random titles. My grandma loved that thing.

mela_lyn September 22 2007, 15:19:41 UTC

I'll have to look into that. He does have the CD player, so perhaps I could always get some from the library and burn the CD's. Thanks!

irysangel September 22 2007, 17:44:58 UTC

Oh my gosh, this just about broke my heart. I second the book on tape thing. Also, small presents (even if it's just a candy bar or a flower or something) lets people know you were thinking about them, and it remains a tangible thing for them to enjoy for the rest of the day. :)

mela_lyn September 22 2007, 17:51:38 UTC

Thanks! Truly when I saw him sitting there he looked so pitiful, but once we started talking and communicating, he lit up alot more. There is still a strong spirit in there, but after 90 years and being mostly alone when your memory is failing would break my heart too!

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mela_lyn September 23 2007, 02:01:21 UTC

Thanks, Sissy... I love you too. :)

sakibebe September 23 2007, 03:43:32 UTC

Hey there! It's a truly great thing you are doing! Just remember that even though you may be hot he may not be. As we get older sometime the temperature gauge in our bodies goes a little haywire. The elderly are sometimes chilly even in the summer. Just remember that when you take him out or when you are thinking he has to be warm. As him if the temp is ok, he should be able to tell you that. Books (on tape or read to him) are a great idea, music is good too. There's also tactile stuff, such as working with clay or other mediums, that is good for someone with a vision impairment. Ask him what he likes/liked to do. He'll tell you. Treats/snacks are good, but I caution you to check for allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure, diverticulitis, etc... any of these things would limit the type and amout of treats he could have. (low sugar, low sodium, no popcorn/nuts/seeds) Sometimes just sitting and talking is the best gift you can give a senior citizen in a nursing home. You're such a great person and an angel in disguise. Much love to ( ... )

mela_lyn September 23 2007, 03:59:12 UTC

Wow! Never thought of all of that... I should have known to go to the expert!! Allright, I'll be careful and try to make sure I just dress lightly! Thanks, Bethie!

sakibebe September 23 2007, 04:17:03 UTC

I am no expert... but I do have a little experience with people in facilities and with disablities. Just ask him if you don't know. Chances are if they are about his likes and dislikes, his preferences, or things like that he'll be able to tell you. Now medical stuff he might be sketchy on and he might not always remember your name, but he'll appreciate that you are there and spending some time, as little or as much as you can, with him. You are heaven sent to him, you want to spend time with him AND you speak, even if only rustily, his language. What a gift you are!

mela_lyn September 23 2007, 14:52:04 UTC

Well out of everyone I know, you know the most! So you're MY expert. ;)