Homelessness, Ageing and Dying 27 Two of the interviewees (Kevin and Dara) were born in the United Kingdom. Kevin came to Ireland when he was a child of ten, while Dara moved to Ireland in her thirties in search of a quieter life. Half of the interviewees spent a considerable part (generally 15-20 years) of their adult working life outside of Ireland, mainly in the United Kingdom. Ben was unusual in that he moved when he was young to England and emigrated from there to Australia, returning to Ireland in his fifties, while Kevin was stationed in various locations around the globe as part of army life. 10 interviewees had been married; often for quite considerable periods of time, while a number of interviewees had been involved in long term relationships. 10 interviewees (seven men and three women) had children, while some also had grandchildren. Only five of these ten interviewees had any contact with their children and grandchildren. This was a source of considerable regret, particularly for the three female interviewees. DAN Dan is in his late sixties. He was born in Cork, but brought up in London, from where he emigrated to Australia in his early twenties. He is now in his late sixties. Dan lived in Australia for more than 25 years living in a variety of different places doing a range of different, mainly warehousing jobs. Dan lost touch with his Irish routes but decided to return to Ireland in the mid-nineties. He hoped to be able to find work but believes now that his age was against him. Initially he lived in a bed and breakfast but was unable to afford this in the longer term and moved into a hostel. Since then he has moved between hostels. He has been living in the current hostel for over five years and is happy there as it is quiet and central enough. Dan is active and likes to get out and go for a walk every day. He reads a lot and is very self-contained. Dan has struggled with his moods and when he was younger says he found it hard to accept things. He believes that as he has got older he has become able to accept things more, be more rational. He tries not to think too much about anything including dying and death, but does believe in god and an afterlife and for him that makes life easier. DEREK Derek was born in Galway and given up for adoption by his mother who was a single parent. He left school at 14 to go to work. He had a variety of jobs in and around Dublin before he moved to London, where he met his wife. They had three children together and were married for over 25 years. One of the most unusual jobs Derek had in London was working as a gravedigger for about four years. Derek later returned to Ireland and went onto work for the same employer for 20 years. When Derek’s marriage broke up he moved out of the family home and into private rented accommodation. His poor mental health meant that he was unable to sustain the tenancy and he became homeless. He ended up sleeping rough for a number of years. More recently he found his way to Simon Services and life became easier. A few years ago Derek’s physical health began to deteriorate and he developed emphysema as a result of a life time of smoking. More recently Derek was diagnosed with a serious degenerative condition which affects his balance and increasingly his mobility and his speech. There is currently no cure for this condition. Derek is able to navigate the space he is living in and hopes to be able to live and die where he is. Over the last number of years Derek has re-established contact with his family and particularly his children and grandchildren. Derek is very aware of the degenerative nature of his condition and has decided to take control of his death. He has made his will and knows where he wants to be buried. Derek lost his faith a number of years ago and this absence of faith was very difficult when he got sick. He does not go to church but believes and hopes there is an afterlife.
Homelessness, Ageing and Dying
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