Dylan's story... I am a bachelor and I have a fairly simple life. I like to hike, kayak and go camping alone. I like a life that is stress-free, and a life where I only have to worry about myself. That all changed about two months ago...
I had just returned from a long trek in Nepal, and I had been away for about 3 months. I didn't really notice anything odd at first, as I was too busy unpacking and readjusting to the house, but when I went to take out some garbage I couldn't help but notice the smell near my neighbor's back door. It was so pungent that I almost got sick right then and there, but my curiosity got the better of me.
The smell was definitely coming from the neighbor's house. I knew some old man lived there, but I had no idea what his name was or who he was. It was then I noticed the papers piled in his doorway, and the grass that was about two feet high. I'd liked to say I ran over there right away...but I didn't. I figured he had family and that they would come to check on him soon.
I thought, what if he had passed away in there, and no one knew? What if he didn't have any family? Was he OK? I knocked on the door about ten times, but no answer. This was not good. So I climbed the back fence and started peeking in the windows. Man, what a mess!
Then I saw him. He was sitting in an old chair, surrounded by trash, just staring off into space. The back door was open, so I walked in and tried to get his attention. It was like he didn't even know I was there. I got really scared, and called 911. Thank goodness I did! The ambulance guys told me they had been out last month, and that he had advanced Alzheimer's. His name was Sam, and he apparently had one adult child who lived in California but who never came to take care of him. They told me there were rumors that the kid was taking Sam's income and using it for himself. I was horrified. Who was going to stick up for this man?
I couldn't stop thinking about Sam, and his predicament, all day. But what could I do? Then I remembered this company that was right up the street from my house. They did professional care management for the elderly. I called them to find out what could be done for Sam.
They advised me, and helped me find, an elder law attorney who could be appointed to help Sam and advocate for his best interests. The care manager found an excellent Alzheimer's facility for Sam, helps coordinate his care and is the voice for Sam when he cannot speak for himself.
I am glad that I knocked on Sam's door that day, and that I stepped out of my own little world and helped someone in need. I guess I kinda saw a part of me in Sam, and realized that we all need to reach out sometime or else we could end up very alone. I have no clue what would have happened to Sam, if a company like Sound Options didn't exist. When I visit Sam now...I can almost see a smile.
back to Life Stories |
|
