Well things are a changin? Lisa now living in a world where nothing is recognizable as a result afraid of everything. I am still her safe place. She knows me most of the time that I am her husband, but if asked doesn't know who I am. Visit with health nurse and neurologist yesterday, part of team that monitors her care, medication etc. Fscility have been doing 30 minute checks on her mood to try and determine when and why she gets so anxious and afraid. They are going to change, up her anti psychotic meds, cannot remember the name at the moment but have heard it mentioned here many times. They feel the placement is not the right place for her. She is in the general population of the facility so there are people who will just shout out at times this type of thing scares her. Although they life in pods she is free to wonder and that they feel is too much. The environment too stimulating for her.
I have no complaints with the facility or the staff feel she has been getting excellent care. So!! Neurologist has said doesn't matter how much we change her meds changing the environment is the most important thing? They have a gentle care wing, ask ally for Alzheimer's, much smaller but still maybe too big? I visited and really the same layout same rooms as where she is, familiar staff, but calmer, I think it is the right move. I liked it.
There is a facility in our community, 5 minutes from home, one they suggested, smaller number of people going to visit it today. This would make it much easier for me. Many factors to consider may take longer to get into smaller unit? I am visiting about 4 times a week neurologist suggested maybe too much, when I am not there she wonders looking for me she needs to transfer her feeling of safety from me to her new environment. Will keep you posted any thoughts?
Five minutes from home sounds great. I'll be interested to hear if you think the environment in the smaller facility looks as good or better than the gentle care wing of the place Lisa is in now.
Rona, From the very first time I came onto this page, there you were, actually struggling with respite, and me knowing that in just a few more months I'd be struggling with the very same thing. Its like you've been just ahead of me walking this painful walk.
I like the words "gentle care", and wherever you find it, either in the unit with that name, or in the facility close to you, that is where your Lisa needs to be. I send out prayers and thoughts to the universe to help you with this decision. And you may find that both places offer you what you and Lisa need. Hugs.
Myrtle interesting thought what I think, I am at the point where I wonder if what I think is important? Before I thought the bigger the brighter the more activities the better boy was I wrong.
The smaller facility, smaller, no outside area she can just walk out to has to be accompanied, no shower in her room, these she has at the other facility. Feels a bit more institutional but would be less stimulation. Not as much area to walk in which she does a lot as she is young and still very fit and active. Are these things important? Where she is now I have a lady who takes her out to the thrift shop once a week, she loves to shop, another lady who takes her to the pool to go swimming she loves it! Now I did my homework and canset this up in our community but I am leaning towards keeping her where she is, less disruptive move, it will probably happen quicker, and I feel comfortable there. A bit more travel but so be it.
Rona, There is no substitute for actually going there and taking a look, as you did. It sounds like the "gentle care" unit is a good decision. Good luck with the move.
Rona for so long your Dw and my DH were running neck and neck but now your loved one seems to have moved so far ahead while mine seems to be just gliding along with not much advancing. I sometimes wonder if he really has this terrible disease. I love the " gentle care". You have quite a decision to make but you will make the right one for her and for your peace of mind. Listen to your heart as well as your head.
Bless you. You are a great caregiver all done out of love!
Chance in meds have done wonders. Check out my comments in " had to call in the fire department today". If this continues may not have to move her at least for now.