Monday was the last day in El Paso. We decided that mom would be better off in a nursing facility. We selected Mountain Villa. It was close, small and they had an opening. It isn't a grand palatial establishment, but it does serve the purpose. The staff is capable, competent and seem to be quite caring and prepared to serve.
Mom would frequently make the statement that she never expected her life to end up this way. She wasn't sure how it would turn out, but something other than this.
She has not been the easiest person to be with. She has needed assistance to move around the house. It is particularly difficult for her to get to the bathroom. My brother and I had been taking turns particularly at night. By Saturday night we only need to get up three times during the night. Sunday night was a different story. She must have needed to go every 15 to 30 minutes.
It certainly tested the concept to serve, care and share the love in your heart. It is also interesting how the body and mind respond to fatigue.
We took her to Mountain Villa early Monday morning. Keith then took be to the airport and went off to take of things to get mom's ID card up to date and a few other administrative things. He called today to bring me up to date. She indicated that she had to go to the doctor's office and they let her sit in the waiting room until 5 PM. She never did see the doctor. The interesting thing is that the doctors only come to the facility on Wednesdays. The other thing that shows how her dementia is growing worse was when Keith was leaving to go home. She said that he ought to leave because it was a long drive back to Harrisburg. Huh? We used to live in Harrisburg, PA, but haven't lived there for years. The mind does play strange tricks.
I was able to get a few more stories while I was there. They will be posted soon. Stay tuned.
#390
6 comments:
I don't think anyone ever thinks they will end up in a nursing home. It's a shame the dementia is taking hold of your mom, Jack.
I pray that she will be okay and adapt - the same goes for you and your family. It's tough living so far away too.
I'm sure you have many other things on your mind, but I just wanted to keep you up to date re: "Echoes of Eddie."
In a comment a few posts of yours back, I left a link for part 10. Now chapter 11 was posted on Monday 3/10 - it is linked from part 10.
Continued prayer vibes your way, Jack.
I remember years ago my Mom saying to "us kids" she never wanted to be put in a nursing home. It was one of the most challenging things "us kids" had to do.
*sigh*
jack... you are an amazing father to your kin, an amazing friend to us all, and most important:
an incredible son.
stay wonderful....
b
dad, i will call you later today to discuss going down to el paso with you to help with the house. i already told mom i would go.
thank you for sending me the photos of grandma sam. even though she is so much different than the last time i saw her, she is still her. i see her vibrant self peeking out.
i am proud of you and keith, but especially her, for knowing it was time. i always wondered if this time were to come, how she'd react. with grace, it would seem (at least from what i've heard from you all there was no kicking and screaming).
i love you!!!
Thank you all for your kind comments.
Shannon, she did go quietly to Mountain Villa. The kicking and screaming were in the form of very frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
What a person. You gotta love her, even when, or because, she makes it difficult.
Welcome back, and best wishes all around.
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