((((Rose))))

You are truly a wonderful friend & a terrific person. One who willingly devotes so much time and energy into helping your friend, when no one else will do the same, for free! That says a lot about your character to me, Rose.

In the past, I volunteered with a local community assistance program. I went to visit a woman in town for over a year who was alone. She had macular degeneration, pretty bad, but she still managed to make it. Meals on Wheels came daily, and I kept her company, reading & talking with her.

I can understand how you're feeling, in a lot of ways. While my lady wasn't an old friend of mine, with a deep connection, it was hard for me to watch her self-help abilities decline...and very hard for me to let go when her children decided to put her to live in a nursing home.

I would recommend looking to see if there are any similar programs in your area. While I was a volunteer, and didn't get paid for time spent, I do know that my lady had to pay for the visits with me. As the company did background checks, arranged visits to be with volunteers that the person would be most comfortable with, etc. The point of having a friendly visit is just to have a person to give the provider a break. It also gives the elderly or disabled person a break too! We listened to a couple of books on tape together; I read her stories; and encouraged her to try the macro-machine, to read cards and letters that she'd gotten. We talked.

I feel for you.