Transferred tomorrow

French

Good news, tomorrow my partner will leave the hospital. We have won, he will be transferred to what we call a « cognitive & behavioral unity ». Not sure how to translate.

It is a unity, depending on the hospital where people with dementia and behavior issues are welcomed, observed and treated so that to solve their behavioral issues (violence, apathy…) before being admitted to a MCF or coming back home. They both work on medication and ways to interact with the PWD.

Usually, they don’t admit people under 75. They did an exception because we had no solution. Coming back home was impossible neither admission in a MCF, and staying tied to bed in the hospital as is has been the case for 7 weeks is the worse way to improve his health.

So this is a huge progress. Tomorrow, he will be free and well cared. At the hospital they were very nice but it wasn’t adapted because they couldn’t untie him. There is still that the geriatric thinks that she isn’t competent for young people. She is not sure that the doses she uses for old people will work for a 53 years old man.

Ed1937

Huge win for both of you, French. I'm glad.

jmlarue

Praying this transfer brings him some peace and freedom.

Joydean

French that’s good news and a hard fought battle, so happy for the win! Sending prayers for you and your husband! Take care of yourself too!

M1

Sounds like the exact equivalent of the US geriatric psychiatry wards, French.  that is definitely progress and I'm so glad......the dosing won't be that different, though he may metabolize things faster because he is younger.  It is all trial and error.

Jo C.

What a good  thing and a blessing!  I am so pleased for you and your Partner.   He will be with specialists whose primary purpose and expertise is dementia managment and I so hope that brings great help.

It will take a bit of time for him to adapt to the changes, but the specialists are used to that.   I send my best wishes and hopes for your Partner to greatly benefit and receive relief. It has been such a long, long journey to even get to this point. 

Let us know how you and he are, and how things are going.

J.

French

I have visited him yesterday.

The place is nice. Only 11 residents, lot of space with a nice view on gardens.

The nurse showed me how they take care of him. It was impressive how they consider his comfort. For example to clean his face, they first put a towel on his head and do a massage because it gives him a wrapping sensation. To feed them, they have the 3rd hand way : they are behind or on the side of the resident and they put their arm under his so that he feels has if it was his hand that comes to feed him. It works well, he doesn't try to catch the spoon as he does if it comes in front of him.

He is no more bed tied but stays in his bed, across the bed contained between the security bars, in foetal positio.We tried to have him sitting but he can't stand. 7 weeks bed tied and he has lot equilibrium, certainly also muscles. They will help him, first to have the idea, volonty to stand by taking a walk in the wheelchair.

He only says "I..." "I'm.." and can't finish. He shoots "No", and someting like "Jean". They interpreted it has part of his fist name, but I know it is the begining of "J'en ai marre" (I'm tired of it), he just can say "J'en".

HAving him eating is still complicated. They are very patient. Yesterday I could have him eating a yogourt.

When you think that 7 weeks ago, he was speaking, walking... It is sad to see how competencies can be lost so quicky. I hope he will recover them, almost partly.

He is really in good hands. This week-end I go to Tunisia to get his things. I could have them sent, but I wanted to thanks the caregivers there and also the other resident spouse who was a genuine friend for him.

Jeff86

So glad to read, French, that your partner is finally receiving the care he needs.

This has been such a difficult time for both of you.   I hope you see some improvement soon.

M1

What a relief French.  I hope he recovers at least somewhat, too.  What an ordeal.  Safe travels to you.

Ed1937

I sounds like you struck gold with that place, I'm glad for both of you.

Hoot619

That is some good news

Jo C.

What wonderful compassionate care.  We have nothing like that anywhere where we are.  I am so pleased that you have that amazing and very specialized quality of care for your Partner.  You have worked very hard on his behalf and have achieved so much.

Big hug being sent across the ocean to you and hoping for the best,

J.

Joe C.

French, It is great to hear that you have such a good place to care for your partner. From your description it sound like a very caring/compassionate staff.

jmlarue

The feeding routine sounds like the technique I saw Teepa Snow demonstrate. This is wonderful to find well-trained caregivers. Perhaps they will be successful in getting him walking again. That would be wonderful. You've been a terrific advocate for your DH. Bless you for all you do.

Lynne D

What a relief it must be for him to be released from restraints and well cared for. Some well-earned relief for you as well. Thank you for sharing. Take care.

toolbeltexpert

French all your hard work and perseverance has finally paid off in a great way. Congratulations may everything continue to prosper!

Stewart 

Beachfan

Finally some good news, French.  I hope it continues for both of you.  You have worked so hard on your partner’s behalf; hopefully he is settled now, in good hands with impressive care.  Take time for you; you deserve to rest and relax.

abc123

Dear French, I am so glad to hear this news! I hope things continue to go well for both of you.