On Monday I took John for a very long ride. We went round trip to the Cleveland airport to pick up our son. We were in the car a good three hours. He didn't speak much other than to agree how beautiful the trees were when I pointed them out. When we returned to the facility he looked glum and walked ever so slowly. I was regretting my decision to take him with me. However, when I pushed open the door to "his" unit he smiled like you wouldn't believe. Nurses and aides were calling out " hey La-la where you been" and "Hey John how was your ride." All the tension left his body and you could tell he felt he was home. I could not ask for more and I made it a point to let his caregivers know. How blessed am I that John is happy where he is? xox cs
Very. I'm so glad to hear that story. Not that we're anywhere near placement, but I know it can be a good thing. All we really want is for our spouses' ride out to the sunset to be as pleasant as it can be.
CS,Thank you for your comment...It was good to hear that your John is so well adjusted....I am getting closer to placing my DH...a difficult thing to do..but your comment made me feel at ease. How long has John been in a facility?? and how long did it take him to get adjusted?? Rosalie
Rosalie, John has been in a facility for a total of seven months. His first admission was somewhat of an emergency and was the only place with an available bed. He spent three and a half months there and was doing okay. Our PCP did not approve of some of the medical care John had recieved there and told me of a new place that is very close to our home. It was not an easy decision to uproot him again but I felt it was in his best interest. He adjusted surprisingly fast at both places. There is no up side to this disease, but I do feel fortunate that his placement went as well as it did. cs
So glad to hear your upbeat story. Those of us who have our loved ones in placement know how important any little peace of mind can be. My husband has been in placement 4 months and seems to be doing well also.