Stories from Caregivers: Tracey from SOUTH CAROLINA
SC
Tracey
FROM SOUTH CAROLINA
Ella is 96 years young. I affectionately refer to her as "The Grandma". The Grandma was a military wife, then widow, a civil service retiree, community leader and social butterfly. She was a single mother, earned her degree at the age of 60, and traveled the world. At the age of 85, The Grandma decided that she wanted to take a cruise to Alaska. She also went on a African safari and traveled the US alone, from coast to coast. There was nothing Ella Jackson could not do. And she became my role model. About ten years ago, The Grandma had to have a triple bypass. She never let that stop her. Five years ago, she was living alone, driving, walking 2-3 miles a day to the store and shopping non-stop on the shopping channel. The Grandma was taking care of herself and living a full life. Then she suffered a stroke that left her with limited use of the left side of her body. For the first time in her life, Ella needed someone to care for her. I became the primary caregiver of my Grandma, Ella in 2012, when my mother, her only daughter was diagnosed with Cancer. At the time my grandmother lived an hour and a half away in an Assisted Living facility. I would drive up at least once a week to purchase her meds and supplies, pay any bills, and spend quality time with her. In 2015, my mother passed away. After careful consideration, I moved my grandma closer to me. I brought The Grandma to Charleston so that I could take better care of her and we could spend more quality time together. Now, I see her daily. Although she was in an Assisted Living, I was still responsible for purchasing her supplies and medications. I make sure she has her medications, take her shopping, do her hair and make sure all of her activities of daily living are accomplished. Most of all, I just love being with her. She has the best sense of humor, the best stories and no filter. We love to watch old movies (Judy Garland is her favorite), talk about life and just spend time together. My Grandma is my heart and soul and I thank God for every day I have with her. As her care level has increased, I now feed her, dress her and put her to bed daily. As Assisted Living facilities are not staffed or equipped to handle her level of care and I would not want to subject her to the stress of moving her into an acute care facility. Unfortunately she is also not in a financial position to afford a Nursing home. She has no life insurance and I am trying to save her money for final expenses when the time comes. My Grandma Ella just celebrated her 96th birthday. Her Doctor recommended that I apply for Hospice due to her age. Hospice has been a Godsend. Her personal caregiver showers, dresses and feeds her breakfast daily. This means that I only have to feed her twice a day. Hospice also provides some of her supplies and medications. This has helped me so much. I am employed full time and having Hospice come in to help has enabled me be able to keep my job. It is still a daily challenge, but it has become a little easier due to the help of Hospice of Charleston.
