Meet Ms. Teresa, an independent and active 96 year old Nigerian woman who immigrated to the US only 6 years ago. She is lovingly referred to as grandma by not only her grandchildren but by everyone in her life due to her nurturing nature. Grandma had always wanted to grow old in her own home, but her desires changed after the passing of her beloved husband. She had to confront the challenges that come with living alone in an older body and a foreign country.
Realizing her need for additional support and companionship, Grandma chose to move in with her daughters in the US. Transitions are challenging at any age but Grandma adapted well to her new environment and quickly became part of her community. She has always been devoted to the Catholic church, which she continues to attend every day that is possible. She prays on the hour from dawn to dusk, which keeps her grounded and connected to her faith. Other activities that bring her meaning and a sense of independence include maintaining a garden and cooking her own meals, as well as outings with friends and family.
Honoring my mother’s choice:
Ms Theresa’s children were concerned about her increased age and began introducing the idea of wearing a medical alert as a precaution in case of emergencies and falls . The idea was initially abhorrent to Grandma, she had always lived without medical alert devices and likened them to a collar around her neck, reducing her to pet-like status. Her children wanted to honor her sense of independence but had the opposite view of the device and re-introduced the device as a means of increasing her freedom and their peace of mind.
Ms Theresa eventually saw the device as a way to experience more freedom with less fear. To further encourage her in making her choice, she took part in researching the types device and began to see it as a way of enhancing her life and sense of safety.
Ms Theresa now wears her medical alert with pride and has a cute answer for the accidental calls that happens with the operator.
Getting the medical alert has helped empower her to be more independent.