Akemi's Garden
Elder Care in the era of COVID
Like a lot of people, I found myself in an elder care crisis as a result of the pandemic. My father passed away right as COVID was making it’s way to America leaving my mom (who suffers from Alzheimer’s) in need of care.
The elder care system was already strained, but the pandemic curve ball was an inspiration to look for new solutions. To complicate my personal situation, my mom is a native of Japan and no longer remembers how to speak English.
It was definitely not what I had planned for myself, but ultimately I decided to put my life on hold. I moved in with my mom, and we built a garden.
It turned out to be an amazing healing venue. Not just for my mom. But for me as well. It allowed my mom to stay active until her mobility started to be challenged. Even when she had difficulty communicating, she instinctively knew how to engage the garden.
Now that she is less mobile, the flowers, butterflies, birds, and fresh vegetables are a continuing source of inspiration and wonder.
Plus, who knew that we would start this amazing legacy just in time for the global food crisis. It turns out that my mom is still teaching me things. About her culture through the plants and flowers of Japanese origin. And about finding peace and calm in the craziness of our modern world. It’s turned caring for my mom with Alzheimer’s into a joy and a cherished legacy and memory that we built together.
I hope this inspires people to offer a kinder gentler transition for our parents. This time has been a priceless moment that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Lotsa love,
Alissa
