I'll try not to stay on my soap-box too long. I believe this dying alone phenomena began years ago in our culture when we began the idea that "at 18 (or 21) you're on your own". It became fashionable and expected for families to separate at the end of the teen-age years. It was the American-way to be "independent" and self-sufficient, to "live your own life". Those things are good, but with them came separation, alienation, loneliness. Soon the family ties began to dissipate. Have you seen it in your families?

I took care of my father for 8 yrs., the last 4 in a nursing home. I went every other day and took my Mom. When the NH called, I went immediately. I thought there was more ti...

I'll try not to stay on my soap-box too long. I believe this dying alone phenomena began years ago in our culture when we began the idea that "at 18 (or 21) you're on your own". It became fashionable and expected for families to separate at the end of the teen-age years. It was the American-way to be "independent" and self-sufficient, to "live your own life". Those things are good, but with them came separation, alienation, loneliness. Soon the family ties began to dissipate. Have you seen it in your families?

I took care of my father for 8 yrs., the last 4 in a nursing home. I went every other day and took my Mom. When the NH called, I went immediately. I thought there was more time. I rushed to get my Mom but when we arrived back...he was gone. He died alone (with a hospice nurse) but thankfully, not in pain.

Hey Deb,

We finished our meetings of The Clearlake Vision Task Force & you can see the wiki I just started to see our vision though. You can also read our presentation to the city, the article in the press & our report to the City Council of Clearlake(Calif). If you go to the report page & in the search box type in the word senior you will see the point...

Hey Deb,

We finished our meetings of The Clearlake Vision Task Force & you can see the wiki I just started to see our vision though. You can also read our presentation to the city, the article in the press & our report to the City Council of Clearlake(Calif). If you go to the report page & in the search box type in the word senior you will see the points that were made regarding the seniors & elderly in the community.

My idea that everybody liked was video conferencing to allow not just the elderly but everybody in the community the opportunity to be a part of what is going on in their community & be part of the solution. The meeting with the city was well received & our report was unanimously accepted, in fact, there was a follow-up meeting this past week with the Planning Dept. making motions to keep things moving while there is so much enthusiasm.

Tho we didn't get into discussing the elderly in their final moments & being left alone, I do believe that the many members in our community will see to it that that never happens. In fact the video conferencing I suggested may even be desired for those that wish it, especially if some of the ones they love are not able to be physically present.