Alzheimer's & Parkinson's: A Fate Worse Than Death, Part 2

The Nursing Home

St. Mary's Home for the Aged was the Nursing Home that the Doctors chose for my Mother. She arrived by ambulance on a beautiful June afternoon of 2004. Her first room was very small. We were able to get her small couch and chair in the room along with her TV and end table that the television sat. on. Her closets were built in along with dresser drawers. We had the task of labeling all of her clothing, so if they had to be washed by the nursing home they would know who the clothing belonged to. For the first 6 months my older family member and myself took turns washing and ironing Mom's clothing and returning it to her. Her room was so small, that all of us could not visit Mom with out being cramped. They said this room would just be temporary. The bathroom was right in her room with just a curtain around. This Mom definitely did not like. The youngest family member got Mom an erasable note board and markers for anyone to leave Mom a message. The nurses, and Mom's company would take turn leaving messages, and some even drew pictures. We brought some of her favorite items from home to make her feel more at home. At this time Mom was still able to walk with a walker, but definitely enjoyed a ride in the wheel chair that they had for her. This room she had for about 3 weeks.

At this time Mom became very ill, and had to be hospitalized. The doctors had no idea what was wrong with her. She at times would know who we are and other times she would just stare. We thought we were going to lose her one day because she had gotten very listless, but, she came around and they were able to send her back to St. Mary's Home. Upon arrival, they had a new room for Mom up on Tower Two which was the Alzheimer Unit. This room was large. She was able to have her couch, 2 chairs a couple of end tables, afghans, and many of her favorite possessions.