Sishipup- Great links. Thanks. There are some advocacy groups out there. Most are just there, and don't make much noise or difference. Social services are mostly bilingual, and low quality. We have some rides for Day services and other. We have mostly for profit companion type or Visiting Nurse type agencies. We also have some state and VA help for the elderly. State help is not great. There is an income threshold. The people seem to be unqualified, unreliable...Visiting Nurse is ok, but very expensive. There is no all around para-nursing type of homecare that I have in mind. Maybe that's all it can be- a dream. Laws and red tape may not allow what is BEST for an elderly to remain at home and independent. 1. I'm not questioning IF I can do it. I am questioning if a homecare business will be a big headache because quality people are hard to find. I cannot run and take over. 2. LIABILITY, and incorporating some grey area medical care is a huge problem in my state. 3. Licensing a business, and liability in my state is different for medical and non-medical.* The distinction here is key. 4. CMAs in my state cannot give meds. The nursing lobbying in CT is interesting. They made sure that the easier stuff is saved for nursing care.The nurses don't want to draw blood, so it's ok for others, including the CMAs to do it. Ironically, you can do a lot of damage here ;) I do agree that certain aspects of medical care should not be done by non-medical personnel. Things like IV's, monitors, deep tissue or venous injections. Initial wound care (first change). Some meds that require special monitoring. These are NURSES jobs and they charge $220/hr....However, day to day stuff that technically a person could do themselves but are too frail to do it, should be ok to be done by TRAINED personnel, even though they are non-medical (CNAs and HHAs fall into this category). As long as they are shown how by a nurse, doctor... I have a lot of work to do. I have to check on what exactly my state considers medical; where the lines are drawn. Dealing with my state is no picnic. Getting a hold of a live body in the state of CT is a challenge. Then sifting through the BS jargon is another. You can never get a straight answer. They have the best jobs in the entire US. Trust me on this. Maifleur- Maybe it's time to change things. APRNs and PAs were not allowed to do much 20 years ago. I know. I worked with them. Now because insurances want to pay less, they are allowed to act like doctors and even write scripts! Maybe its time for a legislative change that trained personnel can give meds, eh? I have seen doctors and nurses make LOTS of meds mistakes in my time, so let's not make them invincible. Quality of care depends on the person giving it.

outright fighting is not the only way they show hostility Funny you should say that, Breenthumb. I came downstairs this morning and discovered that one of the cats had peed on top of an antique table during the night. I have a tendency to blame Annie, but this time she was locked up, and so was Rocky. Pogo and Annie were so skittish this morning. Pogo usually spends some time in my bedroom after I get up, but he didn't stay this time. Peachy was afraid to come downstairs. They were nervous, and I was nervous. I played with Rocky a lot before Pogo and Peachy joined us downstairs, hoping to discharge some of his energy. He has an abundance of it. Then a few minutes ago Peachy (much smaller than Rocky) hissed at him, and he took a step toward her. That was all it took to make me want to put an end to this situation, at least for now. So I put Rocky outside. I know he'll want to come in. I have loved seeing him enjoying the comforts of home. But we'll try this for awhile, and continue to give the situation some thought. At least in the warm weather Rocky will have lots of human companionship outdoors, as we're a family of gardeners. I cancelled the vet appointment. Annie has never been easy to handle, and when I showed up she hid under the bed. The last thing I want is to risk another cat bite. I changed the dressing this morning, and my hand and wrist are swollen, red, and hot. I hope the Augmentin takes care of the infection. My thanks again to all.

Thanks everyone for your opinions and ideas. It means alot. I'll buy solid rug. Once , I buy furniture and put it in place. I'll definitely upload complete picture.

Part of what makes the room so dark is the closed drapes. Adding lighting, appropriate drapes, colorful area rugs, and some colorful pillows will all help. PS I don't think your home is a disaster at all :) It just needs some direction from the pros here (and the other houzzers!)