This blog is about George and Lyla (Grandpa and Nana). They took humble beginnings and together built a fulfilling life. They had 3 children to generate life’s promise of “family”. They took the risk of starting their own business. They earned success. They retired with some reluctance but they knew that they had lived the American dream. They passed on their business and they were confident they could live out life in dignity.
Grandpa’s health failed in his middle 80’s and he passed away after his body just gave out. He was proud of what he accomplished and he was allowed to live out his retirement in dignity.
Nana just turned 96. Her choice has been “assisted care” for the last 5 years. She is very capable of most things and her mind is sharp. The financial resources that she and George built over a lifetime have allowed Nana to have her residence of choice.
The dilemma is that Nana is broke! 96 years of financial independence has slowly disappeared. It seems to me that this is a cruel fate of life. Aging can strip away the financial dignity that was built over a lifetime. Her choices are gone. She is now totally dependent on others.
There are State sponsored programs that should allow Nana to continue to live in the assisted care facility she has enjoyed over the last 5 years. The State controls where you live, the doctors you can see (they have to be in a the State approved program), her drug purchasing program and she gets the princely sum of $45 spending money each month. Imagine having only $45 to buy discretiionary things each month. Her social security check must be surrendered to the State.
Nana will always have the dignity and respect that go with living an exemplary life. I hope the loss of financial independence does not strip away any of the dignity she has earned.
One of Andrews’ Laws is that everybody is entitled to the dignity they have earned. It is just common sense. As we all stand the prospect of living longer lives because of medical improvements and drugs, we could outstrip our own savings and financial resources. I pray that everyone is allowed to keep their dignity.
Love,
Dad