By Phebby Muwowo. It is commonly accepted in Zambian culture that families take care of their own older relatives when the time comes, and without fail. As Zambians, we’re proud of the fact that our senior citizens don’t get put into residential care homes, as they often are in western countries. Indeed, this reality finds expression in the very Zambian proverb,
My Grandmother lived with me and my husband for 2 years in the UK before we were forced to move her into a home due to more complex care needs. She hated the thought of going and we hated the thought of putting her in a home. However, within a few days it was clear that she loved it! She thrived in the presence of attention, better care, social relationships, entertainment, etc. We realised we should have ended her lonely existence in our home sooner (we were working so she was alone a lot). Homes for the elderly are not bad places. But they do need to be monitored and regulated. Great piece of writing.
Absolutely beautiful and very insightful write up.
My Grandmother lived with me and my husband for 2 years in the UK before we were forced to move her into a home due to more complex care needs. She hated the thought of going and we hated the thought of putting her in a home. However, within a few days it was clear that she loved it! She thrived in the presence of attention, better care, social relationships, entertainment, etc. We realised we should have ended her lonely existence in our home sooner (we were working so she was alone a lot). Homes for the elderly are not bad places. But they do need to be monitored and regulated. Great piece of writing.