Got home around 2:30. Rested briefly, then spent an hour reviewing and signing the contract documents. That'll make for a faster visit tomorrow.
At 5:30, a call from P, the very impressive individual who was the tour guide on my second visit to the nursing home, and a big factor in my decision to choose it. Now she's heading my father's behavioral assessment team. She described him as "a delightful gentleman," talkative and engaging and friendly, and also very agitated and confused. Didn't know where he was or what was happening and kept calling my name. She recommended we bring in a private-pay aide for the first two or three days, so there's someone there at all times to keep an eye on him. She's concerned about his being a fall risk, and based on my experiences when he was hospitalized, I'd say that's legit. So I gave the go-ahead.
She also asked me what his religion was. Apparently the visit from the minister didn't go that well. When asked, "Are you Christian?" my father said yes. When asked, "Are you Protestant?" he said yes. Then the minister tried an open-ended question - "What religion are you?" "Jewish," my father said, "but I quit!" Which is the real answer, by the way.
Even at this late stage, there are elements of his personality that are as clear and present as ever.
My sense of things at the end of the day - even with his agitation (to be expected), this was a good move. I feel the way I always used to during his hospitalizations. During the past six years, those were the only times I really relaxed, because however bad it was that he needed to be in a hospital, at least there was a big institution around him with a 24/7 staff of professionals all dedicated to taking care of him. I'm happy to hand him off now.
We'll see if the feeling holds into tomorrow. But so far, so good.
Sounds excellent, Alan!
When my dad moved, they suggested a private pay person for him the first few days. I was very nervous that he would get too acclimated to having his own private person, but it worked out really well. Having someone devoted to him for a few days helped give him a little more of a comfort zone while he was getting used to a new place and new faces, and gave the staff more of a chance to get to know him as well. By the time we discontinued the private person, the staff wasn't as strange to him, and for their part the staff knew more about his likes and dislikes and how he'd respond in certain situations. Of course, there was still more settling in left to go, but I think it definitely helped make the transition smoother.
I'm really happy for you guys, and keeping my fingers crossed that things continue to go well.
Posted by: Rachel | October 29, 2009 at 09:40 PM