Hi all, a few weeks ago I was at my wits end about my Mum going into a carehome, and posted a message on here. I received a lot of support and reassurance, but on the day of her move, I can honestly say I have never felt worse or guiltier. A few of you did tell me the first day is the worst and it does get better, so I decided to post a little update.
We told her she was there while some repairs were being carried out on her house, but with hindsight, that was a bad idea as she was clinging on to the promise of going back to her own house, so we gradually changed the story to 'this will take a long time' to 'the house is too old to be repaired'. She accepted that.
First few days my sisters and I spent a lot of time with her and stayed until she was tucked up in bed and fast asleep. I know that goes against the grain, going by what some CH managers recommend, but we did it anyway. We gradually spent less time over the coming days and she was very unsettled at times and tried her best to get out of there.
The last few days have been lovely, she seems happy and much more settled. We've always raved on to her about how amazing her new residence is, and how lucky she is to be there and she agrees with us. When I took her out this morning she said ' I dread to think where I would be living if it wasnt for this place'. My heart danced!!
She may have a few more ups and downs, but the situation is getting better all the time.
A few things have had us laughing; wearing someone elses trousers, completely oblivious, about 3 sizes too big. They fell to her ankles when she got up to walk. She has plotted her 'escape' with another resident and are on lookout for when the door is left open (like, never!) oh and we find all kinds in her handbag, such as packets of biscuits, felt tip pens, a purse and the odd little trinket.
Oh and my sisters and I no longer worry about her, knowing she is safe and in good hand 24/7. Priceless xx
We told her she was there while some repairs were being carried out on her house, but with hindsight, that was a bad idea as she was clinging on to the promise of going back to her own house, so we gradually changed the story to 'this will take a long time' to 'the house is too old to be repaired'. She accepted that.
First few days my sisters and I spent a lot of time with her and stayed until she was tucked up in bed and fast asleep. I know that goes against the grain, going by what some CH managers recommend, but we did it anyway. We gradually spent less time over the coming days and she was very unsettled at times and tried her best to get out of there.
The last few days have been lovely, she seems happy and much more settled. We've always raved on to her about how amazing her new residence is, and how lucky she is to be there and she agrees with us. When I took her out this morning she said ' I dread to think where I would be living if it wasnt for this place'. My heart danced!!
She may have a few more ups and downs, but the situation is getting better all the time.
A few things have had us laughing; wearing someone elses trousers, completely oblivious, about 3 sizes too big. They fell to her ankles when she got up to walk. She has plotted her 'escape' with another resident and are on lookout for when the door is left open (like, never!) oh and we find all kinds in her handbag, such as packets of biscuits, felt tip pens, a purse and the odd little trinket.
Oh and my sisters and I no longer worry about her, knowing she is safe and in good hand 24/7. Priceless xx
