Today I was with my father-in-law when he was told that he is no longer a safe driver. I know he is grieving for such a huge loss of his independence. He is grieving for the way his body is letting him down.
I have always enjoyed working with and being around the elderly. My own grandparents taught me so much in my childhood and young adult years. Then I had the privilege of being a nurse on a busy medical floor where I cared for many elderly patients. In the late 90s, Kim Dumas, a colleague of mine on West 8 at LDS Hospital, and I started a business called Golden Years Consultants. It was a business that helped families of older adults find the care they needed to remain at home for as long as possible.
The experience I gained then is going to help me as I try to assist my father and mother-in-law and other in-laws through this difficult transition in life. The true challenge is helping my in-laws find purpose and joy in life even as they are dealing with loss, grief, disappointment and poor health.