I live permanently (for the past 10 months) in the care centre of a large retirement village (800 homes) where I have very few responsibilities. I do have caregivers and nurses available to me 24/7 but rarely call on them as I use a wheeled walker in my bedsitter room and a motorized, battery driven wheelchair to go to the dining area and the bathroom where I only need assistance in showering once a day. Because I have many friends and a few family members living in the same town, loneliness is not a problem. Considering my situation, I am in the best possible environment.

When I do read replies, messages and discussions on medication I realize that, because I do not reside in the U S (though I am an American citizen) or the U K, my situation is more or less unique. For instance, I live in a frail care centre of a large retirement village. I rarely see a doctor and since diagnosis, I have rarely seen a neurologist. I take only an occasional Myprodol, a sleeping pill and no other medication. Over the years I have a physiotherapist work on my body every week and I do a set of 'range of motion' movements daily. There has been a steady decline over the 9 years and a couple of serious bouts with pneumonia, but because of my lifestyle I lead a relatively fulfilling lifestyle. Yes, I am very fortunate, but don't relate to discussions on medication and visits to doctors.