Mom has been living in the Nursing Home for nearly two months, and she seems to have really improved. She is HAPPY, and that makes me happy.
There is so much for her to do there! She is always surrounded by people, and that is really good for her. She goes to the various activities, and even if she does not always actively participate, she is there, and surrounded by others who are having fun, and it stimulates her to be more active. I was amazed to discover that she actually won a prize at Bingo. She is talking a little now -- a few words here and there -- and seems so much more alert than before. I am sure that it is a direct result of all the activity surrounding her. She had always been highly resistant to any organized activities, and had flown into terrible temper tantrums if I even suggested visiting the local senior center. What a change!
The staff members are really very nice and so are the other residents. All the residents I've spoken with are delighted to be where they are, and love the place. My Mom's roommate has been there three years, and says it is the nicest place she has ever been. She is the same age as Mom, and is very active -- despite being confined to her wheelchair.
Mom recently changed rooms and is now on the 2nd floor. She still wanders, but they have an alarm system and Mom wears an anklet that sets off the alarm if she tries to go into the elevator or off the floor. They are very aware of the various needs of dementia patients, and actually have some special activities planned for the late afternoon "sundowning" times, when many Alzheimer's patients seem to have greater confusion and disorientation periods.
