If I live long enough

[Lydia]

Hi all,
It occurred to me that perhaps I could get some sage advice from my sisters here.
I am approaching my 93rd birthday. Still dressings and been living alone for the past 20 years. I do get lots of help from my SO (Paula), but we live apart happily. We agree that if we moved together it would be the end of a beautiful friendship. At the moment, I am more spry that she is, as she is recovering from knee replacement surgery.
So far my health is pretty good, and I can take care of myself with the assistance of a walking stick, However, my future is looming before me. Suppose I live long enough to have to go into an assistance living situation or, worse, a nursing home? Will I be able to continue with feminine dressing?
It seems here are at least three possible solutions: 1: Send my fem wardrobe to Goodwill, and go drab. 2. Go fem all the way, and the ___ with what anyone thinks. 3: Some compromise ?
Any ideas and comments are welcome. Hopefully I shall leave my condo feet first. At that point I shall not care about anything.
Hugs,
Lydia

[DonnaT]

I would check out the locations you might (never) be going to, and ask them.

[CharLee]

Lydia,

It's good to see that you are still spry enough to manage on your own and that you are coming to the age most of us hope to get too. I would agree with Donna that I would check out the facilities before hand to see what their policies are and if you could continue dressing or not. In any event, God bless you and I hope you won't stay a stranger to our extended family here.

[Carol Ann]

Sweetheart a very hard thing to think about, my wife said ain't no way in he** she is going into a home and I feel the same way as long as I can get around and take care of myself.

We have both agree to die here in our wonderful home in the middle of no where as this home is the Garden of Eden to us

[DeniseL]

It is good to see you again Lydia, been a long time since we have chatted and also had a visit.

Year ago last April, i had a total knee replacement. After the surgery spent 6 weeks in a residence for Convelesance care, one of the best moves i have done.

I was Denise the full time i was there and treated like any other lady, but i did find out well after i was there they had figured Denise out, but that was no problem..

All the best for your next upcoming birthday, and you have my blessings that you will, continue to have a happy and healthy life

Denise

[Davita]

To dress or not to dress... Lydia, I suspect by the time you move into a home of any kind, you won't be that particular about what you're wearing as long as it's dry and clean. My mommy-in-law just went in; she's not a fashion queen and being there, it has gotten umm worse. For the staff to help you, you wind up with some compromises. I vote go full time and see what the helpers would like for you to do so they can make the best of your stay. If they are helping you dress by the time you are there, you just might have to give up pantihose or stockings. They might appreciate you in a dress or skirt versus pants. You just have to find out. I know you will want to look good and a good facility will help you no matter what you decide about your looks.

I'm not quite as young as you, but I have given this the same thoughts. How will folks deal with me in a dress and obviously a boy. Ya know? Not my problem; it will be more of how will I stay happy and mobile.

[Noeleena]

Hi,

My answer is simple ,

To hell with what any one thinks you wont to dress in rags then dress in them so long as they are clean and tidy what the hell has it to do with any one ,

Bloody western socity has got it wrong well those i hear about have men dressed in skirts over 2000 years ago and in the Renaissance times 1400 -1700 and dress,s was any thing said then ,

NO........

so why the hell in these times because they - some have been brain washed into thinking in a way that has got away from what was done , when all said and done they are still just clothes,

...noeleena...

[Requal Jo]

Congratulations on your longevity Lydia. I hope there will be more years to come.

While I do not know the feelings or policies about CD'ing in the US, in Australia, Hostel and Nursing Home staff must now attend mandatory training sessions on how to respond positively to LGBT residents. This is quite a great leap forward for this country.

[Lydia]

Thanks to all. I get the drift of your opinions and ideas. They make sense.
Yes, I am back here. In time to celebrate my 10 year participation in this great forum. I do read much of the mail here - copious though it is, and will comment occasionally. I have no excuse for not being more loquacious - just sheer laziness.
I have now retired (for the second time) and can spend my time pretty much as I want.- sharing with my precious SO (Paula).
You may see me in chat soon.
Hugs,
Lydia