Here is a somewhat heart warming and disturbing article in Slate.com entitled "She was 82. He was 95. They had dementia. They fell in love. And then they started having sex." It is nicely written by Melinda Henneberger.
Stop and read it then come back and comment about what you think.
My opinion - the son was wrong in not allowing his father to remain in the facility and the relationship to continue. There are many relationships in nursing homes and even if the couples are in their own realities and not those of this world it is real to them so they should enjoy their life as they have been forced to live it because of dementia or worse. Justice O'Connor bravely has seen a bizarre twist in her life when her husband with Alzheimer's struck up a relationship with someone in the home where he was living, not realizing he was married or recognizing his wife. Her reaction was that this was good for him. Should we all be like that.
The problem in this case was the SEX. And mostly because the son witnessed it. This is a talk that we baby boomers might want to have with our kids. What of this happens and what should you do or not do... Perhaps it is stipulated in a medical power of attorney or another document.
People should be allowed to live their final days in happiness however they define it.
What do you think?
2 comments:
Hey, if it makes people happy during their late years I say go for it! I hope I don't end up having to go to one, but by that time I figure I've earned whatever extra benefits there are!
Good post! Thanks.
Sylvia
Sylvia - thanks. I posted today about some other rigidity in nursing homes involving a reporter's mother and her vodka! There needs to be a happy medium struck where rules are followed but people can still live their lives. Thanks, Anthony
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