The next section in the book, discusses the relationship Ptolemy experiences with his past and present relationships. More importantly, this section portion of the book reflects how Ptolemy dementia is becoming more progressive.
Family Relation is family ties or bonds which have traditionally described connections between people based on relation of blood marriage or adoption and which are sustained throughout life (Phillips, Ajrouch, & Hillcoat-Nalletamby, 2010, p. 96). It is clear that Ptolemy has a strong connection with Coy and his family members. Each family member portrays an important role in Ptolemy’s life.
Even though Robyn is not related to Ptolemy, there are considered family through the care and affection that she provides him. Robyn is protecting Ptolemy by standing up for him and speaking her mind to those who disrespects him. She tells him he must stand up for himself. Looking at the different generations and how Ptolemy becomes more comfortable around younger individuals like Sensia and Robyn. Ptolemy is a bit confused and so was I, as to why young women are drawn to him. Many people treat Ptolemy in an aging discriminatory way of older people, but Robyn has a different side to her.
Housing is a physical structure, which accommodates older people’s activities of daily living (Phillips, Ajrouch & Hillcoat-Nalletamby, 2010, p. 126). In the beginning of the book, it is discussed that Ptolemy has not kept up with the means of taking care of his home. There are bugs everywhere in Ptolemy’s home. The house is so bad, that Robyn and Ptolemy they have to stay at a hotel until the house is bug bombed. His living condition is not good for his functional state. They filled four bags of trash and continue to clean the house. On page 149 Sensia had begun to hoard things such as suitcases and clothes, newspaper, books and other collections. Since Sensia had a hoarding disorder, Ptolemy’s house could have been a lot worse and he did not have any help after she died to throw out her collection. It could have been difficult to throw something that could be relation to her.
Social Support
Social Support is discussed as the exchange of different types of resources channeled through supportive relationships (Phillips, Ajrouch & Hillcoat-Nalletamby, 2010, p. 126). Ptolemy’s overall quality of life has improved now that Robyn is taking care of him. I think that it is important to have a strong support system with the current functioning status that he is displaying. Shirley Wring has formed a bond with Ptolemy, along with his family members that are becoming more in assisting him with his daily activities that are needed to function throughout the day. They maintain a place that is clean that allows Ptolemy to recall past memories.
Bereavement
Bereavement is the situation of individuals who anticipate or experience loss of someone significant (Phillips, Ajrouch & Hillcoat-Nalletamby, 2010, p.p. 35.Ptolemy has dealt with numerous amount of loss in his lifetime. In a dream state there are multiple flash backs that allows the reader to get a better understanding of the people there were important to Ptolemy. He shares a unique relationship with his uncle Coy and his death has had a profound affect on him. He admired him, looked up to him and I think even witnessed him lynched. Then during his mental state has to deal with Reggie. I don’t think that Ptolemy with his condition, k now exactly what is happening to grieve for his Great Nephew Reggie. In fact, I don’t think that Ptolemy has ever addressed his loss for Sensia until in a dream state. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to spend 20 years or so with someone and have to see them pass while you were sleeping.
Pension is a financial resource received once people have reached a certain age or have fulfilled other criteria and which provides protection against life’s contingencies by addressing the financial needs of people later in life (Phillips, Ajrouch & Hillcoat-Nalletamby, 2010, p.166) Ptolemy has expressed that he has money saved but it is not until the second part of the book we realize he has much more saved. He tells Robyn to open a suit cased filled with money from social security and retirement. He is lived on such little amount and he wants to share this money with Robyn. I think that Ptolemy had a plan to save his money but with his mind deteriorating (I really dislike this word and its used frequently in the medical profession) he could have forgotten about it.
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