2006-07-09 15:51:22 · 6 answers · asked by Kitt_27_99 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Visit often!!!! It's a lot easier to adjust when she knows she can count on you to visit her and not forget about her. Bake her some cookies every now and then and bring them over. Never ever forget a birthday or holiday, etc. Also make sure she gets some friends there. Bring her lots of pictures and change them in her room often to keep her memory good (my grandmother had Alzheimer's Disease and it really hurt to know she didn't remember who I was).
Not all assisted living homes are the same. Choose very carefully for one you know she will like. Put the money situation aside as much as possible. Don't resort to a cheap, poorly-kempt home just because it's cheaper. And on the same note, don't choose a big flashy one just because it's top-dollar. She won't be around forever, do everything you can for her while you still can!!! If she's still in good mental condition (no Alzhiemer's) ask her to help you choose. Let her tell you what's best for her (a home with a pool, a bowling alley, a bingo night, etc).
2006-07-09 15:54:23 · answer #1 · answered by chica_zarca 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Asa nusrse who takes care of the elderly, the best thing you can do for her is reassure her of your support. Don't tell her you will visit on certain days, then don't show up. Sit her down and explain your reaons for her going there. Tell her the help she will get. 24 hours a day of care at her fingertips with just the push of a button. If you are unable to care for her yourself, then you must be honest with her and tell her that. You don't know how many times family members will drop off their loved one and leave it to the nurses or CNAs to explain why. It isn't fair to that person, especially when we don't know why. In an assisted living you can take her out sometimes or take her home for holidays. Tell her that but keep your word. It is so heart breaking to see one of these precious people sit by a window waiting for a family to take them out, and the person never shows up. It will be very hard for her to adjust because she is going somewhere she doesn't want to be at. It will take months so don't think she will adjust right away. Only you and the rest of your family can help her make that difficult transition from her home to a strange place with people she doesn't know.
she may even get angry with you, but it will pass, this I know. Be as loving as you can be to her. She will always remember that. Sorry for the lecture. I guess I have seen to much disappointment in these people. Good luck
2006-07-09 16:33:10 · answer #2 · answered by Memere RN/BA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would say visit as often as you can. Remind her that you are there for her. I can't imagine what she is thinking. If I had to leave my home, I think I would be inconsolable. My husband has Alzheimer and I can't say that I will never put him in a home but I will sure try to keep him near me as long as I can. I am not much help here. So I will just repeat and say to visit her often and the same for the rest of the family and her old friends.
2006-07-09 15:58:49 · answer #3 · answered by antiekmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit her as much as you can. A lot of people go in and then feel abandoned by their family. Sharing meals with them helps..and just listening even if you've heard the story 100 times. I also find that participating in talks or games with your grandma and other residents helps her to adjust or feel comfortable with new people as well as new surroundings. You're off to a good start..she's on your mind and you care...ya just have to back it up :) Good for you!!!
2006-07-09 15:57:14 · answer #4 · answered by justmeagain 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey, ive been there.. my grandmother has been in and out of nursing homes for the past 6 months. twice she was going home and ended up with something else going wrong in her body. the best you can do.. is visit her, call her.. everyday.. keep in touch.. bring her things that she likes.. nothing of value bc you never know whos taking things. maybe get some pictures of the family.. and put them on the table or dresser for her.
2006-07-09 15:56:18 · answer #5 · answered by tansyangeni 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree you should visit often. especially at first. as time goes by she will find friends there with common interest that will help keep her occupied. or she may find hobbies as time goes by too.just right now it should be all new to her so she doesn't know what to do with her time just yet. best thing to do is visit often and as time goes by she will need your company less and less. that doesn't mean you forget her all together.
2006-07-09 15:58:13 · answer #6 · answered by cesar g 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋