Re: some good news

[Guest guest]

Amazing news Donna. I am so happy for your dad and you. I know just awful

it is when our LO's are stuck in a crappy NH. So glad you got him out of

there.

Courage

some good news

>My dad FINALLY got into the Alzheimers REsource Center here in

>Plantsville, CT. We drove him up Tues ourselves (literally running

>him out of the hell hole nh he was in ) He was quite agitated when

>we arrived. I was trying to fillout the reams of paperwork while my

>sis was with him but she had to get me bcs he was trying to hit her

>and had pinned her against the wall with his chair. Then he began

>walking while holding his wheelchair in the air behind him (he was

>so used to being locked in he didnt realize they dont do that) I

>ran to the nurse and said he needed his seroquel (which he gets

>about 12-1pm) she tried to give it to him and he hit it out of her

>hand sending it flying (so much for first impressions) she came back

>with more and we told him it was for his arm (which bothers him bcs

>of arthritis) so he took it then we " walked " him in his wheel chair

>till he calmed down then a PT came and put him in a merry walker

>which he enjoyed. We left him about 4pm total freaked and I dont

>think my sis or i took a breath the whole time we were so worried he

>would strike a patient as they are all out in the general area and

>this place doesnt use lap buddies or belts. I figured i would get a

>call on my cell saying they had to isolate and drug him into

>oblivion --which at this point ill take over him hurting someone)

>but lo and behold no call and I called yesterday to see how he was

>doing and they said he was fine and he even took part in a group

>session where they tossed a ball around (this was a man who COULD

>NOT sit for more than 30 seconds he CONSTANTLY wheeled himself

>around the nh and had no interest in anything) We went last night

>and it blew us away. Here is this group of people sitting in lazyboy

>chairs and couches enjoying Snow White on Tv eating ice cream(like

>a big college dorm setting) My dad said it was a " nice party " My

>sister and I could not believe when we saw dad sitting on the couch

>(he hasnt been out of a wheel chair or merriwalker in months bcs

>thats how nhs control them). NOT HERE he was calm and even crossed

>his legs like he used to. I cant tell you he wont flip again and

>again but their attitude is amazing, They try not to restrain or

>drug but use redirection. The place is quiet NO PAGING, NO SMELLS

>and LOTS OF LIGHT the place is all glass on sides and ceilings.

>They dont call them diapers but " briefs " everyroom has its own

>bathroom with shower so if they mess they jus move them to the

>shower in their own room. I cant believe other NH dont see how this

>philosphy works. I would be agitated if I was in a wheel chair all

>day and God only knows how it must hurt their backs! Hope it lasts

>but even if it doesnt we feel better for now. If the organization

>is interested in knowing more they should contact this facility at

>; Dr. Jeannie is Medical Director.

>

>

>

>

>Welcome to LBDcaregivers.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

donna

what a wonderful place you have found, and i hope that lbd behaves and lets

dad have some good times for a while. he deserves it as well as you and your

sister. it is a shame tat more places dont use their strategy and how much

better it would be for them , the patients and the families. i am sooo happy

for

you !!! enjoy this new dad of yours. hugs to you, sharon m

a smile a day keeps the meanies away!!!

laughter is a breath of fresh air!

[Guest guest]

Donna said:

They try not to restrain or drug but use redirection. The place is quiet NO

PAGING, NO SMELLS

> and LOTS OF LIGHT the place is all glass on sides and ceilings. They dont

call them diapers but " briefs " . . .

**************************

Boy - that sounds like a wonderful place!!!!! I especially like the use of

the term " briefs " as I HATE when people call protective underpants

DIAPERS!!!

carol

[Guest guest]

Donna,

I'm so glad that you have found a new place for your dad. It sounds wonderful

for him. I can't believe the difference in nursing homes and assisted living

places plus each state has their own laws on things like restraints and drugs.

I was told by the county ombudsperson that nh in NY cannot use restraints or

sedative drugs. You might want to check what the law is in CT. The

ombudsperson is also the person who deals with any complaints concerning the

nhs. I had looked into several places in the Danbury area as dad was right on

the border of NY/CT and I was not thrilled about anything here. When dad was in

nh for rehab, in diapers, with pressure bells on his bed if he moved they went

off, and in a wheelchair all the time, no walker, it was pretty easy to convince

him to come to IL with me. He is in Sunrise assisted living and is coming out

of his room to be sociable, learning peoples names, and adjusting well. What a

difference a good environment can make!

I wish you the best of luck with your dad and his new 'home'.

Gwen

p.s. When I was moving dad, I stopped in target and found a 'white' board for a

calendar and it already had all the squares on it - just fill in the

month/numbers etc. Thanks for the hint/tip.