Comments on: Carrie Spence (1920-2007) Isaiah Spence (1916-1983)

By: DLT

DLT — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 23:08:21 +0000

My condolences to you and your family.

By: Submariner

Submariner — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 21:52:26 +0000

A couple of things I’d like to see: flexible work schedules and supplemental wage insurance. But ultimately elder care should be a family affair. No one takes better care of you than your own. When the medical profession took over and institutionalized the care of chronically ill elders it gave families and corporate America false comfort. I believe in single payer universal healthcare but services should to be delivered at home. This is one reason why family pets get better care than grandparents.

By: tootsie

tootsie — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:34:55 +0000

Doc I agree the state has a vital role,interesting that we see more privatizing(in case of health care only the well to do can afford around the clock care}.Working class has to take off of work to give assisstance to love one’s.

By: Lester Spence

Lester Spence — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:12:29 +0000

here’s the question. we expect our working age individuals to WORK. are you now suggesting that they work three jobs (as taking care of an elderly loved one is the equivalent of two)? my grandmother was blessed to be at home when she passed surrounded by her children. but i believe that the state has a role here. (note the class issues that you’re taking for granted with your example….)

By: Submariner

Submariner — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:06:04 +0000

My condolences for your loss. But why shouldn’t families assume the burden to care for their elders at home? I agree with Ralph Ellison that LBJ was the best president for blacks and the poor. But an unintended consequence of our policy is the marginalization of the elderly and the industrialization of their care. The vast majority (90%) of nursing homes should be blown up. I admit old folks daily who are brought to the hospital by families because they are going on vacation and grandma needs supervision or it’s just too hard and inconvenient to care for them at home. And what’s better is the terminally ill 90 plus year old who languishes in a nursing home but the next of kin want everything done to prolong life. I’m not a soldier or a cop but I’ve seen many ways of dying. None is pretty. However, the best by far is to be at home surrounded by family or going peacefully while asleep.

By: Adrienne Zurub

Adrienne Zurub — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:22:37 +0000

My thoughts are with you and your family right now for this great loss…and a greater life lived.

Adrienne Zurub

By: bygbaby

bygbaby — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:15:28 +0000

Sorry to hear of your loss! Sounds like you are at peace & I am looking forward to your family photo archives. next time you are back, lets make ti a point to meet!

Tafari aKa Bygbaby

By: Cobb

Cobb — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:33:36 +0000

Thoughts are with you and your family.