I spent November and part of December 2013 in a hospital. I consider it one of the best hospitals of NJ. I think Joe Torre of the Yankees would agree with me because he was also a patient there.
As I laid in my hospital bed day and night, I started to think about Nursing Homes. I think most of us know what a Nursing Home is, but have you ever visited one? If your answer is No, try to take time to visit one someday. It would be a good idea plus a rich and wholesome experience because someone in your family could be a resident in one of these facilities in the future. I’ll give you something to chew on. If you are getting up there on the age ladder don’t count yourself out.
I think of old as someone who has lived or existed for a long time. That is no longer the case my friends. We have passed our Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior Years and we are now Seniors. We have done our homework, but when do we graduate? The only one who has the answer to that date is The Man Upstairs.
Our live span has increased and we now have institutions called Nursing Homes. Mom and Dad both work in most households to try and make ends meet. Grandpa and Grandma are still ticking and in good shape. What happens when they get very sick and need care and special attention? Next stop could be a Nursing Home and don’t count yourself out because it could be you someday.
The holiday season is here. It is hard enough being a resident in a Nursing Home anytime of the year but being there during the holidays has to be the pits. I have seen too many residents get all dressed up on Christmas day and sit and wait for a friend or relative who never came.
I am in no way an expert on Nursing Homes but I have visited many (State, County and Private) and have worked at the V.A. Nursing in Lyons, NJ for many years.
Some Nursing Homes are good and some are not so good. So what is a good Nursing Home? The Building? NO! Bricks, Cinder block and Wood are not the Answer. The staff? Yes: This is the Heart and the Ticking of this Hear is what makes a GOOD Nursing Home.
I think we all want to avoid being a patient in a Hospital or a Resident in a Nursing Home. I have some advice for all my Friends out there.
1.) Put good gas in your tank
2.) Change your oil and filter when necessary
3.) Make sure that you have a good primary doctor to check your engine and make sure that it is running smoothly.
I think this advice might be of some help to you and you will make that 100,000 mile checkup.
We all have to die sometime. I wish this wasn’t so because I’ve lost and miss so many relatives and friends.
I believe there is a God and a Destiny. Some of you may agree or disagree with me, but I think there has to be one or the other.
Don’t forget about your gas and oil because I want all of you to make that 100,000 checkup. Do this, and you will be on your way to 200,000 miles.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
-Thomas Francis Clark
