Monday last week I was approached by the director of nursing while I was doing Mum's laundry. She asked me if the family would consider moving my mother from her current unit to one of the dementia units. They have been unable to stabilize her behaviour, which can get quite aggressive.
This year has been quite a year. Mum hit another roommate with his own cane, she has pushed & punched other residents and staff (I'm not at all fussed about the staff - they can run, - it's the other residents I worry about). She's verbally quite aggressive & nasty at times. Her decline has been extremely rapid since January. As she was diagnosed at the age of 64, I do understand that her decline will be more rapid. However, it had been a fairly slow decline until the beginning of this year. Now, it's like a runaway train.
So, since Mum is not doing well, they wanted to move her where there is an extra staff member and all staff on the unit are dementia trained. My sister (300 miles away) & I discussed it, with my sister saying we would probably have to do it eventually so we might as well bite the bullet now. It was with a heavy heart that I gave them the go-ahead.
They did the whole move - moved all her personal belongings & furniture, hung pictures back up in the same places etc. They did a great job.
Mum is fine - I don't think she realizes that she's moved. It was certainly a harder time for me emotionally than for her. There are more "interesting" behaviours on her new unit. I do know the unit & some of the residents as I do laundry there. One little old Japanese lady REALLY doesn't like me - she's slapped me on the arm and mumbled (presumably) nasty things at me. Since she probably weighs about 70 lbs & I weigh "None of anyone's d**n business, including my husband", I advised her to pick on someone her own size.
This is Mum's last room - she will die here. Although it was nothing like having her involuntarily committed (I think you call it "sectioned" in the UK), I still feel a little sad. Another step down, fewer steps to go.
At least she seems happy enough and the staff are great on this unit.
Joanne
This year has been quite a year. Mum hit another roommate with his own cane, she has pushed & punched other residents and staff (I'm not at all fussed about the staff - they can run, - it's the other residents I worry about). She's verbally quite aggressive & nasty at times. Her decline has been extremely rapid since January. As she was diagnosed at the age of 64, I do understand that her decline will be more rapid. However, it had been a fairly slow decline until the beginning of this year. Now, it's like a runaway train.
So, since Mum is not doing well, they wanted to move her where there is an extra staff member and all staff on the unit are dementia trained. My sister (300 miles away) & I discussed it, with my sister saying we would probably have to do it eventually so we might as well bite the bullet now. It was with a heavy heart that I gave them the go-ahead.
They did the whole move - moved all her personal belongings & furniture, hung pictures back up in the same places etc. They did a great job.
Mum is fine - I don't think she realizes that she's moved. It was certainly a harder time for me emotionally than for her. There are more "interesting" behaviours on her new unit. I do know the unit & some of the residents as I do laundry there. One little old Japanese lady REALLY doesn't like me - she's slapped me on the arm and mumbled (presumably) nasty things at me. Since she probably weighs about 70 lbs & I weigh "None of anyone's d**n business, including my husband", I advised her to pick on someone her own size.
This is Mum's last room - she will die here. Although it was nothing like having her involuntarily committed (I think you call it "sectioned" in the UK), I still feel a little sad. Another step down, fewer steps to go.
At least she seems happy enough and the staff are great on this unit.
Joanne