Should Bad Habits be Curbed in Nursing Homes?

Frank liked his whiskey. Paul liked his cigarettes. And Marge absolutely loved her pie and sweet treats. It was time for these three seniors to move into a nursing home. No more shots? No more after supper cigarette? And shock of shocks, no more pie?

Why? The answer given was because it's not good for you. What? Respectively at ages 87, 92 and 89, what are we really worrying about here?

In the old days in nursing homes, things were a bit different. People would move to nursing homes and their families would leave them whiskey or beer at the kitchen or nurses desk. Cigarettes could be smoked in the lobby by the nurses' desk. All they had to do was ask for them. And bless their hearts; those with a sweet tooth could enjoy a piece of pie or cookie when the urge hit.

These folks had worked hard, raised their families, and lived their lives the best they could. Moving to a nursing home usually meant the loss of a spouse or failing health had set in. The move was a hard pill to swallow.

So family and staff usually tried everything they could to comfort and help the senior adjust. The vices, so to speak, were a part of their lives.

Fast forward to today. No way are whiskey, smokes and pie on the to do list of nursing homes. IF allowed, they are very much frowned upon and forgotten on a regular basis.

I have never understood the need to change someone's habits at this late date. I think we need to remember these people all had lives, which they lived their way, for a long time before reaching nursing home doors. To reach 80 plus says a lot. No matter what your habits are.

I cannot imagine the turmoil a move like this brings on. I cannot imagine leaving so much of one's life behind them. Old ways die hard. And new ways are not willingly accepted. Why should they be?

I think the young whippersnappers who make and enforce the rules need to whoa up. It's easy to make rules when it only affects others.

We all have our vices. Smokes, drink, sweets, TV, the list goes on and on. What will be the ones that drive you crazy while waiting your time out?