Home From Hospital

OLDER PERSON:

Today’s the day, I’m going home

But home is not the same

Or is it me that’s changed?

My steps are now a challenge

I can’t walk without a frame.

Once my home was safety

But now it causes pain.

I want to feel secure, it’s embarrassing to explain

My home should be my safe space

My comfort place

But now we both have changed.

The silence here is deafening

My thoughts are rushing, loud

I need someone to help me

Go shopping, go to town

The thoughts come loud and rushing

The fear of the unknown.

My daughter is so kind, but she has a life of her own.

Everyone says they’re on the end of the phone

But you don’t want to be a bother

Even if you feel alone.

And now there is a sea of time 

Rushing at me, loud

I used to dream of having time

I’m drowning in it now.

Refrain

It’s my life

It’s my home

I can do things on my own

But I can’t do this alone

CARER:

How can I help them feel at home?

How do I make them smile?

I feel like I’m not doing enough

But costs and rulebooks make it tough.

I try to give them good support

I break down barriers, build rapport

Try to give them time and thought.

Give them time to make their choices.

Manage expectations with limited resources.

OLDER PERSON 

I’ve got some people coming round

What will they be like?

I know I need a helping hand

I’m frightened they won’t understand

Come in and out, like buses

A different one each day?

What will my neighbours say?

My home should be my safe space

My comfort place

But now we both have changed.

I need somehow to tell them that I can still be me.

I might make bad decisions, but I have capacity.

Presume I can before I can’t, respect my right to be free.

I’m more than my support needs

I’m not another problem to be added to a list.

I don’t want to be a burden

I’m made from more than this.

Please talk to me, please listen. 

Don’t make assumptions- help me make decisions.

I am the decision maker.

My life, my home.

Musical interlude

OLDER PERSON

I’m looking forward to my mid-morning treat.

A chat, a cup of tea and something to eat.

Kyle’s a cheeky lad, but he’s always got time for me.

His weekend stories make me feel young.

He brightens up my day, like sun.

We always have a lot of fun.

He listens when I need something done.

I needn’t have been worried, he makes me feel at home

My home is still my safe space

My comfort place

Even though we have both changed.