We are trying to determine whether Carol would be better in an AD facility or a NH facility. both NH we are looking at take AD patients and one actually has a seperat wing for AD. Carol is getting very feeble and difficult to get in and out of bed, chair, stool, car, etc. But the real problem is ME. I am having trouble physically and mentally trying to take care of her. I was awake much of the night just worring about the whole situation. I take Depression medicine but it does not seem to do much and it is so very difficult. Carol is only 73 and the nursing home without AD wing seems to have mostly patients in their 80's. Not sure how Carol will adjust but your prayers are appreciated. Love, bill
I know where you are coming from. My wife is only 62 but she has taken a turn the past several months where she is not aware of what you are trying to do and resists many of my efforts to take care of her. On the one hand, all I need is patience to wait out her confusion but that is easier said then done.
I gave serious thought to an AD wing in an assisted living facility but a social worker in one of my support groups has not had good experience with them. That leaves a NH which is more expensive, but which will accept medicade when the money runs out. Even at the higher cost, everone tells me that you or a family member will have to be there every day to make sure she is being taken care of. At my wife's stage of confusion, I don't think she will notice that she is the youngest one there. She seeks out elderly people when we are in stores and babbles to them or runs her hand over their cheek, si I am hoping that she will be fine. It's me that I worry about.
This is just my opinion, but based upon the experiences other people I know have had, I would definitely consider an AD facility 1st. Nursing home staff is not always trained to understand and deal with AD patients, especially those who are easily agitated. If you are considering the AD wing of a nursing home, it would be prudent to do a lot of investigation and homework concerning their staff/patient ratio, but especially the education and training of the staff.
Thank you folks. Joan, we have actually decided on an Alz facility called the Courtyard, which is part of Christian Care Center is Mesquite, tx. It has two floors and 4 levels of AD. Carol will go in as level #2. She has trouble transfering, walking, eating and bathing but they help with all of these areas. They do not encourage wheelchairs because they think the walking is such great therapy, even if using a walker. I will have to pay the first 3 months because SS won't pay unless it is preceded by 3 days in a hospital, whch was not needed at this time. Carol is going down pretty fast the last 2 months and I am also suffering fro9m the trial. They do have a nursing home which has an AD wing if in the future we need it. But now we go for very good Alz care.
Bill sorry you find that the time is necessary for help like this. but its sounding like you are in dire need to the respite from caregiving as well. it wont do any good to wear yourself down doing it all. get the help and let them care for DW now. my best. divvi
Bill, it sounds like you have done careful research and made the right decision. Good luck with it. I hope I have the sense and courage to make this decision when the time comes, as you are doing. You both deserve the best.