We had a family member who went through a string of different situations. She started her decline living on her own. Physically she was strong but began to develop dementia. It came to the point where she needed people around her to keep an eye on her so she went to an assisted living facility that was mainly studio apartments with no kitchens. It was not a lock down facility and she and family had free access but there were people checking to see if she showed up for meals and would check on her if she did not. They had someone making sure that medications were taken. I could have lived there as far as the room and general appearance is concerned but it was already taking on that smell that is so often associated with nursing homes and I would hate being required to go to a dining hall for meals.
Her mental condition deteriorated. She could remember if you planned to take her out to eat or shop. She knew she had a daughter but could not remember what she looked like. She knew she was declining and it really bothered her. From there she was moved to a place with a bit more supervision and shared rooms. That went well until she attacked the other lady in the room.
Her final stop was what you might call a group home. Her family was not willing to dump her in a bottom level nursing home. They found a place that was a normal home with a live-in staff that cared for about six people. They were very kind and kept a constant eye on their residents.
She had family that cared and enough income to provide. Eventually her body caught up with her mind and she passed away. At no time was she in what most people would think of as a nursing home.
To be continued...
homo unius libri
Sad, but the best that could have been done.
ReplyDeleteIt is why I question all this fear about a virus that takes the elderly.
DeleteGrace and peace