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Hello MarilynB: I am 88, so fit into this group, I think. I had 2 strokes about 18 months ago and have mostly recovered, except my right foot, leg, and hand are not quite normal. Therefore, I no longer drive. I live in a rural area in my own home alone, with help from a daughter and hubby who live 7 miles away. I have the usual helps here: chair in the shower, arms beside the commode, a bedside commode in the bedroom, a walker nearby if needed and a cane. I have a couple who help with anything I can't do: floors, windows, flower beds, dusting, etc. for $25 an hour each; not bad! Since I don't drive, my daughter takes me everywhere: groceries, library, Church (sometimes), etc. Aging in place is lonely sometimes but I prefer home to anywhere else! My best to you!
Replies to "Hello MarilynB: I am 88, so fit into this group, I think. I had 2 strokes..."
@dorisjeanne I'm sorry about the challenges you've been facing and dealing with since your 2 strokes. But I'm glad that you seem to have a great support system that's so helpful to you. And I definitely agree with you: Aging in place IS lonely sometimes...and I, too, prefer home to anywhere else.
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And my best to you. I am truly sorry you do not have full mobility due to your strokes. Since I first wrote I have turned 90. It is a little frightening because I know there are not many years left. So far, though, I am good. I can still drive. In fact several weeks ago my friend asked me to take her to the E.R. It was not close by. But I got her there. By the time she was discharged it was dark. Not my favorite time for driving. However I am proud to say I drove this ess-shaped freeway in the dark and got us both home safely. I have a cleaner every three weeks. I pay her $100.00 and she does everything. Probably takes her 3-4 hours. I do everything else for myself. Just changed out my summer sheets for my flannel winter sheets and blankets. I found it a little hard to carry everything into the garage for storage but I managed. I guess that is what I do. I manage. I still use a cane when I am out because I am afraid of falling, even though the surgeon who did my hip replacement scolds me for this and says I can walk fine. And yes, I can walk fine, but I am still frightened of falling. I agree that staying in my own home alone is lonely. Unlike you I have no support system. But that's the way it is.