Gabriel

I spent part of my afternoon visiting a facility that does have a vacancy and can take mom and Dad. I was impressed. It is a small unit, only 20 beds, and it was bright and cheerful with a wonderful outside enclosed area that had this wonderful arbor that was covered in wisteria.

The entire facility is small. It looks like an old victorian house with wrap around screened in porch. The assisted living area is stunning.

But the most impressive thing to me was the people. Even the sales manager was so knowledgeable of dementia. It was not just book learning either. It was from interaction. She knew every resident by name and history.

There was a lady in the ALZ unit that came up to me to show me that her shirt and sweater matched. She was such a delight. I later met her daughter who just happened by the facility. This lady was in another living situation just a month ago and was combative and constantly agitated. Her daughter was raving about the changes since she had moved there. Yep, I was impressed.

We also had a discussion about doctors and medication. They do not have an in house physician because they use a clinic of doctors in the area that specializes in ALZ patients, their physical conditions and behavior modification. I even brought up the Namenda issue and she assured me that if I wanted to try Mom on a lower dosage that would be no problem.

And, talking to her she brought up something that had evaded me. Mom's room now is at the end of a long hall. Nobody passes by her room. If she is in the room she is isolated unless it is a med tech bringing meds or a caregiver just checking on them. Mom does feel bound to Dad. She doesn't want to go far. So being where she is in the building is isolating her. This new situation, their room door opens across the open hall way from the living area where everyone congregates. She also told me that they pair up residents when they move in. Those with like interest and ability. They encourage them to get out and visit with each other.

Beyond that, with Mom's abilities she would be able to go out into the assisted living area for activities and Dad would be cared for. They would encourage this as long as she was able.

Siste 2 is going to drop by and look as well. I was impressed that one of my nieces, as soon as she found out where I was looking, checked the place out and assured me she could go by almost every day at lunch since she worked right down the street

I am so hoping I can pull this off!

The only draw back is the room size. It is truly a downsize from what they are in but ......... the benefits I see

So I am going to try to find out what the status of them having to move is.... since the sisters that are there are not giving information

Love, deb