Her family was at their wits end. Mom’s Alzheimer’s was getting worse. As much as they wanted to care for her at home, her independent streak coupled with the mental fog of Alzheimer’s created problems. When one of the neighbors called and said, “Hey, I just saw your mom walking down the highway two miles from your home,” they looked for outside options.
They found a small assisted living facility in a nearby town and moved her in.
And then COVID hit.
The facility locked them out. Only two people were allowed in to see her, and then only one at a time. The other 39 kids, grandkids and great-grandkids had to take turns standing outside her window to have any hope of interacting with her. During her time at this highly-rated, licensed and accredited assisted living care facility, she
- fell multiple times
- suffered broken bones
- lost several pairs of dentures, hearing aids, glasses and other personal items
- stopped eating
- lost weight rapidly
Almost a year later, when her family – all 40 of them – sat in our living room interviewing us as a possible place for mom, their concern and skepticism was palpable. After all, mom was in a highly-rated, licensed small assisted living facility staffed by trained medical professionals. How were we – a family of five with no medical degrees and some part-time help – going to provide a better experience?
Little did they know that a month later, they would be shaking their heads in disbelief at the biases they inherited from a society that elevates licenses and credentials above results.
The day she moved in, her two oldest daughters stayed a little longer than the rest of the family. As the flurry of activity settled down, Melissa brought out a beautifully plated array of refried beans and pureed chicken. Her eyes lit up. She smiled. When I asked, “Do you want some of that?” she nodded.
We helped her stand up and walk to the table. Her daughter sat beside her, spoon feeding her some small bites. After about three bites, she looked sternly at her daughter and said in Spanish, “Give me that spoon; you’re going too slow!”
That night, the little grandma who had stopped eating…ate three servings of refried beans and chicken.
Today, she’s been with us a little over a year. And while her disease continues to progress, her spirit and soul are healing…and so is her family.
Licensed facilities provide a valuable service. And, if you or someone you love are looking for a different experience in elder care, drop by for a visit and experience our difference yourself.