My 92 year old mom who has cognitive decline often gets lonely during the day despite having me and other caregivers in several times during the week. She is often reluctant to participate in activities. She has a friend she has bonded with and I thought it might be good for them both if they roomed together. Thought they could watch out for each other somewhat. It would also have the added benefit of saving some money. A friend suggested I turn to this community to get the thoughts and experiences of others who might have had a similar arrangement for their parents. One downside is that while the apartments are spacious they are only one bedroom units. Many people still room together in the one bedroom units, however.
PS I forgot the obvious - ask the AL staff if they have any comments!
Him and his roommate were the best of buddies and worked around the little issues, like what to watch on TV.
I remember my dad telling me about their late night talks and being so grateful that they had each other to feel more secure and comforted.
Is the living room bigger then the bedroom? You could turn the bedroom into a TV/day room and put the beds in the living room if bed space is a problem. Both my dad and his roomy had twin beds in a single room, tucked up against opposite walls to avoid tripping over each others walkers.
Most elderly are not as motivated and intelligent as you are!
You need your own space for sure.
Mom refused to get out of the wheelchair and threw fit after fit. She threw an actual bedpan at me, in her angry state.
OS stepped in, made a couple of calls and moved mom to a more expensive NH and paid the difference between the 2 facilities. All of $25 a day.
Some people would welcome the company. Some can't bear it. We knew going in that mom didn't want to 'share' and so this was quite a drama for a day.
Personally, I would want a private room. I need quiet. Everyone is different.
, she too is in a wheelchair. I get her coffee and put a blanket on her when she is cold. My mom forgets that she has a roommate.
I think the facility should help you determine personalities.
I learned that my mom’s first roommate has a roommate that is just as mean, they get along but are abusive to the staff
The thing that bothers me the most is the shared bathroom. With dementia, my mom has no idea what towel is hers, what toothbrush is hers, etc.... their personal hygiene and bathroom habits are worse than a toddlers. I will let your imagination fill in the blanks there. I have learned to let go of a lot.....LOL
How this is going to go for your mom depends a lot on the stage she is in as well.
Good Luck.
sorry that brought back bad memories . I’d say if you know your mother and woman get along and will have to eventually cohabitate ..I’d do it sooner rather than end up later with no choice in roommates.