DH has been in the NH for a year now.Of course, I see some decline. Last week they asked to moved him to a larger room in another wing. They felt that he would have more stimulation there. Well, he does, but not the kind I was expecting. There's a lot more people around. One lady was stirring imaginary stuff with a spoon . Two ladies were slapping each other. One was lady was screaming about nothing. The second day when I visited and they were doing exercises to the "chicken dance", DH was laughing and really seemed to be enjoying himself. He didn't seem to notice what was going on today but I sure did. I suppose I should just take a wait and see position about all of this. What do the rest of you think?
If it is the activities you are referring to, as long as he enjoys that is good. If it is the behavior of others there, sounds like it is either a dementia wing. I would wait and see.
Carolyn, I think we are all guilty of thinking "HE wouldn't like to be in a place like this" or "THIS is not what he likes to do.." but once again, we need to stop short and remind that they aren't the person they once were. We don't know what they do or don't like now... IF he enjoyed the Chicken Dance, celebrate with him!!! I remember The lovely woman who was a society matron ..walking around a facility cooing to a baby doll in her arms..with her hair a mess and wearing a soiled tshirt. it just breaks my heart. I remember visiting one place and a man was crying like a baby , to the top of his lungs while sitting in a big chair in the living room. I looked at the marketing person (to imply, "What's wrong? can someone help him??" and she said, "Oh, he used to be a DOCTOR...he's okay". What did the fact that he USED to be a doctor have to do with anything. Something was making him very sad that minute...and I so wanted to go ove, kneel down and hold his hand. Tellhim he was safe and that we were all here with him watching over him.