Even partial aid cost more than it could sustain.
In addition, each new person meant starting from scratch: explaining my habits, my tastes, my home. I felt tired, out of control, and increasingly dependent.
The residence: safe, clean… but not free
I agreed to try an assisted living facility. It was correct, orderly, well attended. But everything had a schedule:
Sleep early
Eating at five
Do not leave after a certain time
One night I wanted to walk in the open air. They arrested me.
—Security policy.
I was 83 years old and someone decided when I should sleep.
