My Grandma Lewis (my dad's mom) was put in a nursing facility last week. Its actually Bailey Place, which is part of Mother Margaret Hall/Sister's of Charity (where my mom works.) She is guaranteed 30 days in the nursing home, but her doctor is recommending that she should not live on her own anymore. So, my parents are trying to figure out what to do when her 30 days are up. My mom is praying a room will become available for my grandma to stay there indefinitely. I am not sure why she is only allowed 30 days, but I think it has to do with the fact that my grandma would have to sell her house and all of her assets to stay there.
My dad had to go and sign paperwork today and I went with him. We met my mom there and we visited with my grandma for a little while. I hate seeing my grandma so confused. She is in the home because she has alzheimer's and last week it got progressively worse. She is on the maximum amount of medications for the disease. My aunt's sister was taking care of her during the day when she was home, but she was alone at night. She needs more than what Kathy (my aunt's sister) can do for her. My parents are over at her house a couple times a week and on the weekend, but its not enough. I won't go into my aunt Judy or Uncle Steve (my dad's sister and brother) but to put it short and sweet, they are useless. They never visit her or check on her and its sad.
I was worried when my grandma saw me if she would even know who I was. (The last time I saw her was over the summer.) She did! She saw me and got a huge grin on her face and said "Hi Carrie". She thought Olivia was adorable. She's seen Olivia several times, but I didn't expect her to remember her. Olivia actually took to my grandma very easily. She smiled at her and gave her a kiss when we were leaving. It was sweet. Although, Olivia did get scared when she saw the wheelchair my grandma was sitting in. I would have been scared too. Plus all the other old ladies sitting around who aren't in the right frame of mind. Its a little scary for me!
My dad brought a picture of my grandma's mom. He hestiated at first thinking she wouldn't know who she was, but she remembered her too. She cried when she saw the picture and gave the picture a kiss. It made me cry. I think my dad got a little teary eyed too.
5 comments:
I understand exactly what you are going through. I had a grandma and a great grandma in nursing homes. My great grandma had Alzheimer's too. It is sad to watch and yes it is scary! I hope everything works out for her to stay, I will pray for her and your family.
Judy and Steve are useless when it comes to Grandma - it pisses me off. I'm hoping to get over there this weekend.
I know too and it stinks. The best part is that you went. Every visitor for homebound people is a true gift from God. My grandma loved visitors!! Good for you. It is SO good for Olivia too. I will pray for grandma too.
Aww! I understand what you are going thru. I'm very glad you went to see her and that Olivia loved her so much! That's great!
I hope she gets to stay there.
oh, i commiserate. my dad took on full responsibility for my grandad - my uncle didn't help at all. it is always so sad to see our loved ones go through all of that.
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