Nonagenarians Living On The Edge
ASSISTED LIVING, HEALTH & BODY, HOME, PENNSYLVANIA, PITTSBURGH, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 28, 2020
I am an aide for the elderly. I’ve been sick for a few days and since all of my clients are high-risk — as am I because of asthma — I decide to call in sick for a week, just to make sure it isn’t anything serious.
One of my clients has managed to get my personal number and gives me a call.
Client: “[My Name]? Hello!”
Me: “Hello, Miss [Client], how are you?”
Client: “I’m fine. Listen, I was just talking to my son and he is worried about all this nonsense. He wants to cancel your appointments for the month.”
Me: “Oh, that’s actually a great idea! You’re very high-risk because you’re in your nineties and on oxygen. I’m glad you listened to him. Plus, I’m sick, too, so I was really worried about infecting you if this is more serious. “
Client: “You know I don’t care. If I get this disease, then it’s a good day.”
I’m used to her talking like this.
Me: “No, no, no, you don’t want to die from this; it’s pretty bad. You want to go peacefully in bed, remember?”
Client: “Right, right. So, I won’t see you during this month. But you can stop by anytime if you’re in the neighborhood!”
I’m trying not to laugh.
Me: “Miss [Client], I can’t. The whole purpose is to keep you safe.”
She is one of my favorite clients. She’s one of those tough cookies but has a good heart. I’m sure she’s going to be super lonely this month but I told her to call me anytime she wanted to! Also, for those curious, I am feeling a little better but still coughing and having trouble breathing. Yay, asthma.
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