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Ida is safely in the nursing hom?
QUESTION: We dropped Ida off at noon today at the local nursing home. The place is
very nice, clean and spacious and apparently very well run. We talked to
social worker, ward nurse/director, admissions person, activities directors,
dietician, and so many people I can't remember them all.
She isn't in that room we looked at the other day, they instead put her in a
different room (two beds) in the bed nearer the bathroom (with my
permission). She has a roommate that seems VERY feisty. That worries me.
The woman is a loudmouth and very argumentative. In Ida's younger days she
would have handled her just fine. Now,.... I don't know. If I see any
trouble I will ask that they move her.
The doctor was not available to talk to us just then, but we can see and
talk to him day after tomorrow. As I understand it, they consider Zoloft
and Risperdol "chemical restraints" ...... and they are going to titrate her
down from current levels before re-deciding what dosages if any she should
be on.
I am OK with it for now, because if they can tolerate the delusional stuff
she is their "baby" now, and they are the professionals. But I don't want
to see Ida in any emotional discomfort either. I will indeed be watching.
Their goal is to get her off any drugs that might impair her motor skills
and allow her to fall even if it means some behavioral stuff.
This place looks for all the world like what has to be the best nursing home
out there. The activities director came to greet her with a bunch of
balloons and everyone spoke to her so kindly and introduced themselves in
such a nice way. Could have been a show for the family's sake, but it
looked real. Even on our first visit there, everyone was super friendly
and upbeat. NOTHING like that horrible place in the city her sister went to
and died in.
They gave Ida lunch and it was amazingly diverse and good. Chicken noodle
soup, a small glass of juice, coffee with Splenda and creamer, a small
container of lowfat milk, meatball sandwich on very soft roll, pudding cup.
She ate quite a bit and surprised us all.
I am numb, feeling emotionally drained, tired, but somewhat relieved. I am
not going there tomorrow, but will come the next day. They promised to
call if there is any problem.
ANSWER: Welcome back to the rest of your life, I bet you find it strange tonight,
when was the last time you had the chance for an unbroken nights sleep?
I am sure you will *all* be better off.
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