When somebody dies at one of the retirement villages, they have the flag at half mast.
We go through quite a few deaths in churches that have lots of elderly members. But if it's all the time it gets a bit much. People sometimes call rest homes 'God's waiting room'. Hospices are set up for those dying to be cared for free. They do an incredible amount of work caring for those who are terminally ill. Aside from that, you can do things like provide flowers or organise donations of goods (also op shops do sell off peoples effects to raise money for carers).
We had one death of a young girl in school last year who had cancer. Over recent holidays, two dads of school children families had passed away too. We always need to be mindful that death happens all around us, and it is part of life for everyone. Thats the deal for being mortal!
But then there's elderly who aren't actually dying they are just disabled. So its harder for them because they won't get free care, and they won't see much improvement unlike someone who is young and can adjust, even if they are in a wheelchair.
I think everyone needs to learn a few nursing skills at least, just as people learn CPR and first aid. It ought to be a highly valued skill set - caring for others. I see a lot of books all about self-care being published now. But there will always be certain things you just can't do by yourself or on your own. People have got to face reality and let themselves be cared for and also know how to care for others.
