We've just comleted our first 4 months at the Nursing Home at the Christian Care Center. And as so usual in her life, Carol Has New Friends. She sometimes talks to them and many seem to understand a word or two better than I do. She likes to touch arms, blouses, hands or most anything that she thinks interesting. Especially jewelry and name tags. She probably smiles at her new friends more than she does me. I am just a given but the staff, residents, and other family visitors seem to get her attention. She does not see any old friends but does not know it. She is very "contented" and I am so thankful that God has given her this Grace. A little list of some of our new friends are: (go to Carols Blog for names and pictures)
http://howiscaroldoing.blogspot.com/
Sure there are a few who are not always smiling but most of those above smile when addressed (by first name if possible) and some talk so sweetly to Carol----Honey, Momma, Ms Carol, Sweetheart, etc. She definitely sees more friends at the Care Center than she saw at home. She likes to walk (with assistance) go outside, look at newspaper ads, watch TV, dining (but needs help), I hope bathing, hair stuff, etc that is done with the staff is equally pleasant but I don't participate in those areas. CCC is a good place and God is dedfinitely in control of Carol and her well being. I feel confident that this the ongoing new ministry that God has led us to serve Him. It is such a great honor and true Joy. bill
This is a good placement story Bill! I'm happy to hear it. Sometimes, given where are AD people are, and how they view things in their new world, a center like the one you found is just the thing.
Oh bill, my heart swelled reading your story. How wonderful that Carol is surrounded by such love. There are still some wonderful people in the world. I could feel the joy in you, it's terrific. Have a great day. Keep us posted. Arms around, S
I am so happy that you have had this kind of good result with your dear wife. I have my DH in day care, and he , too , has made new friends there. He has always been gregarious, and needs the stimulation of other people. At home he just stays in bed all day. Sounds like you made the right decision in placing your wife.
Bill, so happy for your wife to adjusted so well. I see this all the time at the nursing home I volunteer at.It is a small home,85 beds,and everyone soon learns a new residents name and becomes acquaintd.It really is like a big family.Visitors get know other residents beside their LO.It's where we will go when the time comes.
Carol's blog has been found by other AD caregivers and they find it to b e very helpful. I hope so cause that is the primary reason I keep trying to add new posts to it. The current one on freinds seems to be ongoing and hard to quit tweaking it. Still need to put names on pictures. Hope you folks, my friends here witrh Joan's group especially, find it helpful. love yall, bill