Adjusting well

Gig Harbor

It has been 10 days since I moved my husband to a new memory care. I talked to the director today and she said she is surprised at how well he has adjusted. I think it is because he has no memory of the past at all and I don’t think he ever realized that he was someplace new. I am surprised at how much better their care is. She had full nurses notes in front of her. They track his intake to make sure he is getting enough fluid and calories. They help feed him at all meals. They wake him at 5:15 am to change him to prevent skin breakdown and he goes back to sleep. They put a very nice automatic lift chair in his room that he seems to like sleeping in during the day. For each meal they put three glasses in front of him while they serve meals - milk, water and juice - and they make sure he finishes them. The facility is older but very clean. No fancy activities but he was not partaking in any of them. All this for $2000.00 a month less. I am very happy with the move and glad that I did it.

Ed1937

Gig, I'm thrilled for you. It's always good to see positive outcomes.

M1

Glad to hear it too GH.  It's been a year today since I took my partner away from home/to the hospital.  A hard day.

Nowhere

Wow! What a difference in care- seems to have moved from reactive to preventative! You must be breathing so much easier. Congratulations on the good decision to move him.

Mint

 That is great for him and you

Joe C.

Gig, So happy to hear the move is working out for both of you.

White Crane

Gig, I’m so happy to hear this! What a blessing to know that he is well taken care of, and adjusting well.

toolbeltexpert

Gig that is great. Especially the great care the most important thing. Praise the Lord

dayn2nite2

Gig Harbor wrote:

It has been 10 days since I moved my husband to a new memory care. I talked to the director today and she said she is surprised at how well he has adjusted. I think it is because he has no memory of the past at all and I don’t think he ever realized that he was someplace new. I am surprised at how much better their care is. She had full nurses notes in front of her. They track his intake to make sure he is getting enough fluid and calories. They help feed him at all meals. They wake him at 5:15 am to change him to prevent skin breakdown and he goes back to sleep. They put a very nice automatic lift chair in his room that he seems to like sleeping in during the day. For each meal they put three glasses in front of him while they serve meals - milk, water and juice - and they make sure he finishes them. The facility is older but very clean. No fancy activities but he was not partaking in any of them. All this for $2000.00 a month less. I am very happy with the move and glad that I did it.

I'm so happy for you and him.  I will say that I heard a lot of "but it's so old" from people about the NH we used for my mom, but that place was IMMACULATE and their care was exactly as you describe in this new place, the tracking of intake and fluids, changing in a timely fashion, and as they get to know him better, you will see they will adjust things to fit his personality and habits.  We had activities, my mom used to enjoy watching and just being in the spaces activities were occurring - and music was definitely enjoyed by all.  One thing I noticed is that all of the staff were very engaged with the residents - even the person who cleaned my mom's room "knew" her and would stop and ask how she was or notice a new picture in her room, a new outfit she had on.  

I'm like you - white walls and contemporary furnishings are nice, but if the facility is older but clean, with excellent care - you can't beat that.  It helps build trust that he's okay and you don't have to spend all of your time worrying about what's going on.