A complete shock

[Alex54]

My wife (PWD) was recently seen by the local nursing home which specialises in dementia. To my surprise, they said she was too far advanced and would need a more specialised unit which is about forty miles away. This was a complete shock, as to me she is still my wife and I don't think she is difficult to look after.
I guess when you live with it day to day, you miss the signs that things are generally getting worse.

Oh well, life go on!

 

[Alex54]

@Sarahdun
It is all new to new! What is the difference you see in a specialist unit against a normal nursing home?

 

[Helly68]

Alex54 - I think the differences I saw, from the residential bit of my Mum's home to the dementia unit were -

Increased security. The unit is locked for everyone's safety and residents sadly cannot wander (many can't anyway) for their own and others safety.

Rooms may have a wet room rather than bathroom and be set up for hoisting etc

Activities tend to be simpler - often almost everyone is asleep in the afternoons.

Hopefully a better staff to resident ratio - sadly not always the case but it should be.

My Mum has found the unit to be a calmer environment with an emphasis on safety and comforting routine.