Today my mom was moved from the rehabilitation unit of the hospital to the dementia unit. I would really appreciate it if the hospital could change the name of the unit to either Alzheimer's or Memory Care unit. It just sounds more humane to me. Any way, I thought I was prepared and on several levels I truly was. I was grateful that she would be the appropriate place before I leave and we could get my dad on a schedule. I was more concerned about how my dad would handle the change. My mom will no longer be in a private room and that was really bothering my dad. This unit will give my mom more social stimulation and she will continue with her therapy and such.
My dad believes everything was good today so on that level I am happy. He told my sister this evening that he thinks everything went well and that it will be a good move. But I noticed lots of things - you know me the observer. I noticed the CNAs actually texting on their phones and reading their kindles when they were supposed to working. That REALLY bothered me! They just put their heads down and ignored the patients. I was flabbergasted to say the least. The staff in this unit acted like they were surprised to see us when I know there was a meeting between units, records were passed, information from the nurses on the likes/dislikes etc were passed along. I heard the CNAs and a nurse say, she was just brought up here and we know nothing. I almost jumped up off my chair because my dad and I were sitting right there and could have answered any questions.
My mom has a special mattress that did not make it up the elevator. I had to ask a nurse to call the old unit and find out where the mattress was. I actually heard her call out to a CNA to find out the phone number for the downstairs unit. I thought to myself you don't have a department listing at the desk? I actually had to tell her the name of the unit (this hospital has only three units). She called and the nurse downstairs said yes the mattress should have been brought up, call maintenance and request they bring it up quickly. This nurse that I was standing in front of did not know how to do that either. You talk about warning lights flashing and my blood pressure rising. I told her I would wait while she called to be sure it was done - again a CNA had to make the call.
There were a few other things that happened that I just could not believe. The CNAs were complaining that too many people need assistance eating and yet they are playing on their phones or reading their kindles. Or the fact that the trash bins were overflowing - that will get me going.
My father has no idea that I left in such a state. I did not want him to be upset at all. I left there thinking what have I done? What sort of mistake have I made? I don't want to leave her with people that don't give a shXX about her. At least downstairs she was cared for beautifully. One of the CNAs downstairs came over and gave mom a big hug before she left.
Dad and I went to my sister's for dinner and I went outside with her and data dumped. I said I have been so strong through this whole thing and today all I want to do is cry. I did not want to cause my sister any stress either. I even told my niece not to come stay tonight because I am just not up to it.
I know tomorrow will probably be better and my mom might be happy as a clam with all the activity and social stuff. But for those that know me, the hospital will be hearing from me no questions asked. The executive director is a politician and running for bigger office don't think I won't contact him directly.
My thoughts are all over the place and so are my emotions. Enough spouting for one night. I know it will get better. What comes to mind for you when I write about the above? How would you have handled a day like today?
I am almost done with my fourth book this week - yes I have been getting a lot of reading done. Also putting things away so that there is nothing to worry about when I head out this weekend.
I will leave it here for tonight. I hope I did not bring you down. I plan on a long walk tomorrow morning! Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Whatever hour God has blessed you with, take it with grateful hand." Horace