Has anyone had positive experiences with assisted living or nursing home facility care?
No details. We hear so much about the down side of care in facilities. Just wondering and would like to hear about some of the positive experiences from family members. Thanks 😊
May I share this thread with you for one question please? Don’t want to be rude. I know it’s your thread and not trying to overstep but it’s sort of the same topic and I want to pick the brains of the experienced people here.
My question, I like the OP am researching options. My mom has Parkinson’s. I know some Parkinson’s patients have dementia. My mom doesn’t seem to have it. Or it hasn’t been detected in her. I need to bring up the topic of assessment with her doctor.
Would it be better to place her in memory care facility in anticipation of having dementia that can accompany Parkinson’s or is that a bad thing to do at this point without showing signs?
One facility I looked at was only memory care. The head nurse gave the tour because the director had an emergency. I actually loved having a nurse give the tour. She was fantastic and said mom would be a good fit due to her Parkinson’s. However, after seeing some of the residents I don’t know if mom would have enough socialization there. Some of the residents were far along with ALZ or dementia.
Also, they did not even allow a microwave or coffee maker in room. She said because of fire hazards.
The assisted living even had a small kitchen attached. Well one place did, the other you are allowed to have coffee maker, micro, mini fridge. Of course all provide meals. What feedback do you have for me?
I would not recommend placing someone without MCI or dementia into a MC unit. An AL would probably be a better fit for Parkinson's until either dementia develops or real nursing care is needed. My father's MC did not allow coffee pots, microwaves, etc in the room (mini fridge was OK) but did have a kitchen in the central common room just outside his door available 24/7. As long as my father could get his favorite snack when he wanted it (3:00a was a favorite time) he didn't care about being able to prepare it himself, in fact I think he liked having someone "wait" on him.
My dad spent a little over 3 years in MC and although he didn't want to leave his home, he immediately improved with better medication management. Dad's primary issues were vascular dementia, high blood pressure and CHF; he also had paranoid personality disorder. The MC staff were better able to cope with his determined personality and gain his cooperation than family members. He went over 2 years without any hospitalizations and when he did start needing hospital stays they were usually recommended by the RNs for managing his heart disease and not emergency trips.
Have toured a few places is all. Can’t quite decide which one would be best. I agree that it is similar to a hotel! Hey, I could be comfortable living in a hotel and most likely assisted living too. The nursing homes in my area are not good, lowest rated. Best of luck to you. I will say a prayer for you and your mom in making the best choice.
Thank you. I appreciate you for responding. It's a difficult decision to make. My mother (says) she wants to be in a care facility. We are praying to make a good fit for her.🙏
My dad was in MC in the same chain as FFs dad. We had a great experience, even though he passed within one month. His care was very good, the staff was wonderful with him, and he was much calmer there than with us at home where he had become somewhat violent. His decline was no fault of the MC, and his hospice care at the end in the MC was very helpful. He thought he was at a hotel on a vacay.. and it was very much a blessing for my family
Awesome! Thanks for sharing. This was very encouraging to me. The frustration that our loved ones experience as they live with their state of health is overwhelming! Peaceful, comfortable and loved is the way to go.... Thanks again 🤗
My mother was first in an AL that I wouldn't have minded living in myself. The staff were very accommodating. Then after a dementia diagnosis she went into a specialized AL Once her needs became too great for them she was placed in an NH for the last year of her life. Although there were a few bumps, over all her care was very good. In her condition would I want to be placed in these facilities? Yes.
I appreciate the question, Psalms 23. I am in Canada which may make a difference.
Yes. Your response is a big help. Thanks for sharing... Although the elder laws and resources may be a little different in Canada, the sentiment and feelings when it comes to making decisions about our loved ones are pretty common... Thanks 😁
Psalms, my Dad had very positive results moving from his house to Independent Living, then later into their Assisted Living/Memory Care.
I would ask Dad if there was anything he could improve about the place, what would it be. He would answer that everything was perfect. Only thing, he wished he would have moved years sooner.
Oh, I could go on and on about what a wonderful experience he had, but then again, Dad was sooo easy to work with :)
That’s wonderful. So happy for you. So nice to hear about people who don’t struggle like most of us. My grandma was that way, she was delightful until the very end. I loved her so much. She brought such joy to my life.
My grandfather was just as delightful. They meant so much to me.
A family friend moved into a nursing home last Fall. She loves it. Her husband had been trying to look after her at home, but was unable to meet her needs.
She is suffering from the affects of a stroke 40 years ago. Dystonia in one hand and foot, poor walking and unable to prepare meals, do laundry etc anymore. She needs help dressing and getting to and from the toilet.
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May I share this thread with you for one question please? Don’t want to be rude. I know it’s your thread and not trying to overstep but it’s sort of the same topic and I want to pick the brains of the experienced people here.
My question, I like the OP am researching options. My mom has Parkinson’s. I know some Parkinson’s patients have dementia. My mom doesn’t seem to have it. Or it hasn’t been detected in her. I need to bring up the topic of assessment with her doctor.
Would it be better to place her in memory care facility in anticipation of having dementia that can accompany Parkinson’s or is that a bad thing to do at this point without showing signs?
One facility I looked at was only memory care. The head nurse gave the tour because the director had an emergency. I actually loved having a nurse give the tour. She was fantastic and said mom would be a good fit due to her Parkinson’s. However, after seeing some of the residents I don’t know if mom would have enough socialization there. Some of the residents were far along with ALZ or dementia.
Also, they did not even allow a microwave or coffee maker in room. She said because of fire hazards.
The assisted living even had a small kitchen attached. Well one place did, the other you are allowed to have coffee maker, micro, mini fridge. Of course all provide meals. What feedback do you have for me?
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I appreciate the question, Psalms 23. I am in Canada which may make a difference.
I would ask Dad if there was anything he could improve about the place, what would it be. He would answer that everything was perfect. Only thing, he wished he would have moved years sooner.
Oh, I could go on and on about what a wonderful experience he had, but then again, Dad was sooo easy to work with :)
My grandfather was just as delightful. They meant so much to me.
She is suffering from the affects of a stroke 40 years ago. Dystonia in one hand and foot, poor walking and unable to prepare meals, do laundry etc anymore. She needs help dressing and getting to and from the toilet.