MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'assisted living'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:01:19 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182361&cid=t_108871_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FBK8O3tQ88rY%2Fdepressed-housing-market-puts-pressure.html After four years of depressed home values, experts say thousands of seniors remain unable to move into senior housing because they can’t sell their homes quickly enough or for the price they need reports Kaiser Health News. This has lead to greater pressure on families to pay for parent’s and grandparents’ placements, or to care for them themselves. “We see people coming in much older and frailer because they’re taking a longer time to make the decision,” says Donna Taylor, executive vice president for the nonprofit Arizona Baptist Retirement Centers in Phoenix. “They don’t know how long it will take to sell their house, and in some cases they’re reluctant to sell because of the lower price.” Arizona Baptist, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), offers a spe... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182361 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:16:00 +0100 5182361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775432&cid=t_108871_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2Fmental-health-needs-of-older-americans%2F As the baby boomers age here in the U.S., they are going to swell the ranks of seniors. And senior care — especially mental health care — is one of the most ignored in America. We act as though seniors don’t matter much, and few health care and mental health care professionals go into specializations, such as geriatric psychology, that can help senior citizens. Perhaps that will change, with more attention and focus provided on this group of people. Because as we age, we often face many of the same difficulties as we did earlier in life. Except these difficulties are often amplified, because of the loss of social support — our friends — and isolation — most often from our own family. The New York Times profiles Marc E. Agronin, M.D., a geriatric psychiat... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775432 Mon, 02 May 2011 13:50:19 +0100 4775432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693387&cid=t_108871_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fj_8LQaaHAeI%2F Beverly Sanborn, Vice President of Program Development at Belmont Senior Living and scheduled 2011 SharpBrains Summit Speaker, could not finally speak at the Summit (she was very well replaced by colleague Jeff DeBevec), but fortunately we can share her thoughtful answers to the following four critical questions. 1. How would you define “brain fitness” vs. “physical fitness”? Brain fitness and physical fitness are interlinked. Each enhances the other and both are essential components of successful aging. As we age, the ability to cope with inexorable challenge to social-emotional-economic well-being is rooted in having a high level of mental alertness and a physical body that functions efficiently. But fitness is not just a happy consequence of a hardy gene pool. Fitness for bo... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693387 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:24:50 +0100 4693387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399839&cid=t_108871_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FnKnZm4NwC9w%2Fstates-expanding-medicare-waiver.html The recession has greatly affected the elderly and those who provide for them. A new AARP report shines some much needed light on how states are changing elder care in response to the recession. Many states are using the economic downturn to restructure funding into lower cost services such as assisted living.AARP compiled data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia in a new report on the recession’s affect on demand and funding for state programs catering to older individuals. The report found that states, in an attempt to balance the budget, have largely cut services relating to seniors, but at the same time demand for these services has grown. The demand for assisted living was one of the fasted growing, increasing in 17 states.Recognizing the problems at hand, many states ar... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399839 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:31:00 +0100 4399839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309865&cid=t_108871_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FawaloOVW0Mg%2Fbullies-with-gray-hair.html Having worked for several years in assisted living I witnessed many episodes of bullying between residents. The first time I encountered it I was stunned that mature individuals would treat each other with such disrespect...Patricia Grace, Aging with GraceBullying may be a concern for teenagers in schools and through Facebook, but young people online are not the only targets of verbal abuse and social ostracism. Residential facilities for the elderly are not immune to abuse either.Doris Lor, a retired secretary living in a retirement community in Chandler, Ariz., said she has been the victim of intimidation from other residents since she bought her home in 2003.Lor, 76, lives in Solera Chandler Active Adult Retirement Community, which has more than 1,100 residents 55 years and older. She s... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309865 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:45:00 +0100 4309865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740596&cid=t_108871_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-reason-i-stayed-a-doctor%2F2010.07.09 This week I traveled to a small town outside Chicago to help my mother with her move from an assisted living facility to Alabama so she can live with my sister. I suspect many people, thanks to current economic times, have realized that the savings that were supposed to be there are not and change must happen. Such is the case with my mother. It’s sure to be an emotional time, one which both of us had hoped to avoid. For her, she will be moving from the region of her childhood, her college, her marriage, her first home, her dream home, her caldron of first-grade student graduates and her dearest friends. For me, I will miss our spontaneous visits, morning coffee conversations, trips to the local restaurant in the town of my childhood, her gentle smile, and her helpful advice. But th... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740596 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3740596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567857&cid=t_108871_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmajority-of-assisted-living-residents.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567857 Sun, 16 May 2010 13:11:00 +0100 3567857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920504&cid=t_108871_160_f&fid=36193&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aloha-dermatology.com%2Faloha-dermatology-blog%2Fmaui-county-36th-annual-senior-citizens-health-fair-maui-economic-opportunity-inc%2F Maui War Memorial Gymnasium Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Please join us at the Maui County 36th Annual Senior Citizens Health Fair on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Come, have fun, and visit the many booths that will have health-care related displays and other pertinent information. Blood pressure testing, blood sugar level checks and hearing aids will be available. Many agencies and businesses such as the Maui County Office of Aging, Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, Social Security Office, State Department of Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii SAGE Plus Program, Organ Donors of Hawaii, County of Maui Recycle Dept., A&B Sugar Museum, Alzheimer’s Associa... aloha-dermatology.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920504 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:17:44 +0100 2920504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442052&cid=t_108871_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fproblems-with-inner-ear-function-quite-common-in-older-adults%2F Most people know that the ear has two functions; namely, hearing and balance. Now new research has shown that the inner ear balance function, called vestibular function, is impaired in fully 35 percent of all U.S. adults over the age of 40. Such dysfunction, which affects 69 million Americans can lead to catastrophic problems, most notably to falls with their attendant issues such as fractures. Vestibular dysfunction increases with age, eventually affecting 85 percent of those over the age of 80. The findings were published in the May 25, 2009 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. The researchers studied nearly seven thousand U.S. adults over the age of 40. Participants completed a questionnaire and also underwent balance testing by something called the “Romberg Test of Standin... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442052 Fri, 29 May 2009 20:52:01 +0100 2442052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390100&cid=t_108871_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FBpmMVyNz6XA%2F In this report we estimate the size of the US brain fitness software market at $265M in 2008, up from $225M in 2007 (18% annual growth), and from $100m in 2005. Two segments fuelled the market growth from 2007 to 2008: consumers (grew from $80m to $95m) and healthcare & insurance providers (grew from $65m to $80m). The 150-page report finds promising research and initiatives to drive significant growth, combined with increased consumer confusion given aggressive marketing claims and lack of education and standards. The report includes: - The complete results of an exclusive January 2009 Survey with 2,000+ respondents - A proprietary Market & Research Momentum Matrix to categorize 21 key vendors into four categories - 10 Research Executive Briefs written by leading scientists at p... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390100 Tue, 05 May 2009 00:11:54 +0100 2390100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320469&cid=t_108871_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5wXddSnEZ2E%2F This study investigated whether these problems can be overcome by a training program designed to boost working memory. Children with low working memory skills were assessed on measures of working memory, IQ and academic attainment before and after training on either adaptive or non-adaptive versions of the program. Adaptive training that taxed working memory to its limits was associated with substantial and sustained gains in working memory, with age-appropriate levels achieved by the majority of children. Mathematical ability also improved significantly 6 months following adaptive training. These findings indicate that common impairments in working memory and associated learning difficulties may be overcome with this behavioral treatment. 9) Brain cortex thinning linked to inherited depre... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320469 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:38:54 +0100 2320469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960915&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FPJc8PNGm_yk%2F Word of Week Assisted Living - This generally refers to a home where residents are fairly independent, but may need help with medications, cooking, and housekeeping.  By living there, they are in a safe environment, enjoy social activities, and have meals prepared and laundry done. Some assisted living homes are set up to give more help than others.  Some also have a nursing home on the premises where residents can move as they require more care.  My mother-in-law lived in an assisted living home for four years because she was going blind and couldn’t care for herself alone too well. (Amazon image) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, Assisted living, Caregiving, nursing home, Word of the WeekShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960915 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:00:56 +0100 1960915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1930764&cid=t_108871_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F440107576%2F A beautiful initiative, featured in the New York Times today: Coming Full Circle: - "In a typical Montessori classroom, teachers use category-sorting exercises to help young students see patterns and connections. But the participants in this group were mostly in their 80s and on the other side of the cognitive development curve. They are residents at an assisted-living facility for people with dementia called Hearthstone at the Esplanade, which has six other homes in New York State and Massachusetts. Since July the residents have participated in a full-time program of Montessori-based activities designed for people with memory deficiencies." - "A common misconception about people with dementia, Dr. Camp said, is that they no longer learn. But they do: residents learn to find... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1930764 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:53:36 +0100 1930764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1852786&cid=t_108871_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F410658487%2F This report is interesting and it addresses many very important questions that cognitive neuropsychologists, such as myself have. I feel that many of the products on the market now make claims which are generally unsubstantiated. I find it concerning that many of these programmes have been marketed to target older adults in particular without making any specific statement on whether the activities are beneficial and have been supported with empirical research. i have recently conducted a cognitive intervention study which used a large array of outcome measures which focus on a number of different cognitive functions. The measures investigated both objective and subjective behaviours. The results confirmed that attempting cryptic crosswords for one hour per day increased subjective awarenes... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1852786 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:18:28 +0100 1852786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1723969&cid=t_108871_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F370226149%2F Interesting market news: Dakim’s [m]Power Adopted by 150 Senior Living Communities ... (Business Wire) - "Dakim Inc. announced today that its [m]Power® Cognitive Fitness System has now been adopted by more than 150 senior living communities" - "Users include Sunrise Senior Living, Front Porch Communities, Diakon Lutheran Services, Ecumen, Eskaton, Benchmark Assisted Living, and Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging. Several neurologists and a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter office have also purchased the system." - “Other products are static. You buy a CD, put it in the computer, and that’s it. People get bored and stop using them. Dakim has found a way to keep people coming back to challenge their ability, and that’s what our residents are doing.” (... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723969 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:13:15 +0100 1723969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1432944&cid=t_108871_158_f&fid=36160&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeinstitute.com%2Fcaregivingminutes%2F%3Fp%3D80 Everyone in a specialty or professional environment has a particular jargon and terminology that sounds like a foreign language to listeners not familiar with that industry. Financial professions, health care professionals, educators, and legal professionals have industry dialects that confuse even the most enlightened consumers. Given our focus on elder care and long-term care, every week we provide insight into terms from those industries that can leave people saying “Can you repeat that?” This week’s alphabet soup is Assisted Living Assisted Living (A.L./AL) A supported living environment that provides room and board in addition to personal care support. Some support services are purchased separate from the room and board contract. Assisted living facilities usually provide pers... CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1432944 Sat, 10 May 2008 00:40:01 +0100 1432944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1371113&cid=t_108871_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F270115426%2F I will be speaking at the these upcoming conferences: if you are attending, please let me know! >> Boston, April 28th, 2008: Panel on Latest Brain Research Trends, at the Learning and the Brain Conference. >> Boston, April 29th, 2008: New Developments in Cognitive Retraining Technology, at the Innovation Institute. >> Baltimore, May 9th, 2008:  The State of the Brain Fitness Market, at the Games for Health Summit. >> San Francisco, May 15th, 2008: Cognitive and Emotional Training (Brain Fitness) for Healthy Aging, at the Institute on Aging's seminar on Brain Health Accross the Lifespan.   >> San Jose, June 9th, 2008: Brain Fitness Trends and Assisted Living Communities, at the California Assisted Living Association Spring Conference. Assisted Living, brain research, CALA, California A... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1371113 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:55:20 +0100 1371113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1358649&cid=t_108871_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Faarp-specialty-assisted-living-places.html AARP has an article explaining that creative assisted living facilities can offer options such as (1) community gardens with mountain views, (2) making award winning wines , (3) pets (4) putting courses for the golfer, (5) Japanese themes, (6) woodland paths and other opportunities for residents to enjoy, (7) living in an RV park with assisted care. AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has the article in their Bulletin, titled "Assisted Living - 10 Great Ideas" by Barbara Basler, describing creative specialty assisted care. The facilites costs ranged from $5,400 to $800 (if living in an assisted care RV park).The article starts by describing Ray Croft, 77, who "zips around the gardens of Oatfield Estates in his motorized wheelchair carrying a large watering can." There he raises ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1358649 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:08:00 +0100 1358649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=983958&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F10%2F27%2Faint-talkin%2F Today is mild and rainy. The ground is covered with bright yellow leaves and there are still many more to fall. Last year at this time my mother was in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism, and I was frantically trying to arrange for her to move from rehab right into Garden Manor. That didn’t work, and so she would come home for another month and a half before the move. We are facing a very different holiday season this year. I’ve had it in the back of my mind to formalize Thanksgiving plans, but I don’t want to think about it. I imagine that my sister and I will have dinner at Garden Manor–taking my mother out anywhere would be too disorienting for her. Our usual places will be closed that day, and I can’t see us taking her to a more upscale restaurant for ... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=983958 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:10:54 +0100 983958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=873785&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F09%2F15%2Faid-attendance-pt-5%2F I finally got the thick envelope from the Veterans Administration, and I felt like a high school senior, trying to guess the contents before opening it. The VA awarded my mother the full Aid & Attendance benefit, retroactive to the end of Dec. 2006.  Whew.  BUT because she has Alzheimer’s, they will designate her as “incompetent”, which means they will appoint a fiduciary–another delay before we get any money. They refused to consider my legal power of attorney when I first applied for the benefits, so I had my mother sign the application, even though she understood only broadly what she was signing.  My only alternative was to go to court and get guardianship of her, which would have taken too much time.  I understand from reading VeteranAid.org (I could N... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=873785 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:34:27 +0100 873785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=836032&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F08%2F31%2Fsame-old-same-old%2F A quick entry, just to say that I’ve posted at least once in August. I continue to visit my mother three times each week.  Some days I find her settled, other days–like today–find her agitated.  She’s usually fretting about someone she cannot quite identify.  Today it was someone named “Lily” (the name of my recently-departed dog) who might be coming for supper, but my mother didn’t have any money and what should she do if Lily didn’t show up? I can tell within seconds of arriving what her mood is.  On days like today she is enormously relieved to see me, as if I am bringing with me the answer to all her worries.  When she realizes that I am not, her expression tightens.  I try to change the subject, to reassure her that I will take car... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=836032 Sat, 01 Sep 2007 02:21:38 +0100 836032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=738960&cid=t_108871_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F134455747%2F It has happened again. Just when it seemed to Jim and me that we had filled out the last of those “change of address” cards for the post office, it looks like we will have to again in the not-too-distant future. It was just over a year ago that we moved into the basement of my in-laws’ house so that my son Charlie could go to school in the in-district autism program in their town. Charlie had been in an autism classroom in a different New Jersey town, in an older suburb a short train ride from New York (when we looked east at night, the sky still glowed orange, from all the city’s lights). After two years of “doing kind of ok,” it all went bad: Charlie’s academic learning ground to a complete stop; he lost skills (the use of a fork; of the bathroom... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=738960 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:16:36 +0100 738960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=714790&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35371&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaregiver.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Falzheimers-validation-therapy-and.html This article is worthwhile reading and is worth "salting away" for future reference.Nursing Homes, June, 2000 by Mark WarnerDESIGNS for Validation TherapyMark WarnerThis tried-and-true technique can be supported in the Alzheimer's environmentAs each member of the group sat in the circle hoping the balloon would gently drift their way, Roxanne burst from her chair in a fit of rage, shouting "There'll be no ball-playing in my house!" Furious at the insolence of the players who ignored her commands, Roxanne forcefully attacked a staff member, who tried to comfort her by explaining that she was not in her house, but merely with her friends playing a game. Roxanne didn't buy that and swung wildly, hitting the staff member squarely in the chest.Fearing that I, too, might fall victim to the same ... CareGiver, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=714790 Wed, 04 Jul 2007 18:02:00 +0100 714790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=692423&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F06%2F23%2Fsix-months%2F My mother has now been living at Garden Manor for six months, and here is where we stand: On the Aid & Attendance front, I reapplied in late February–four months ago–and have not yet received a decision. I had originally sent the application to the Providence, RI, office of the VA, but received an acknowledgement from the Philadelphia office shortly thereafter so I imagine that’s where the application is sitting. I send them a printout of the cancelled check for my mother’s assisted living rent each month, just to remind them of my situation. My question for them at this point is: If you won’t allow folks to apply for the benefit before they commit themselves to a care situation–forcing them to OVER-commit themselves financially while crossing th... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=692423 Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:54:58 +0100 692423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676645&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F06%2F10%2Fdecision-fatigue%2F My mother is much quieter when I visit now. Today being Sunday, we took off for our usual lunch and drive. My sister comes along, as does Jasper the Sheltie (who really doesn’t like going for a ride, surprisingly–he runs and hides when I approach with his harness. This is pretty uncharacteristic for a dog and I’m hoping he grows out of it). Garden Manor has a Sunday afternoon barbeque, and today my mother seemed uncertain about whether she wanted to stay for that. Making even a simple decision is almost impossible for her at this point. A choice between coffee and hot chocolate, for example, is prolonged by her insistance that someone else pick for her. It’s a frustrating development at a time when I want to preserve what little choice she has in her life. At first ... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=676645 Sun, 10 Jun 2007 19:46:12 +0100 676645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=577887&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F04%2F28%2Fblues%2F I didn’t want to let April go by without a word. I’ve started several posts over the past two months but have been unable to finish them. I knew that I would have a period of adjustment to my mother’s new living situation, and I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to find myself depressed. When I was living with my mother I would imagine this time–when I could finally return to my house and have some time to myself–as being light. In some ways it is. Having the time to be alone is a good thing for me. But beneath the moments of solitude and the freedom from worrying about her safety is a lot of grief, I now realize. To be honest, I’m having a very difficult time right now. I’m having a hard time motivating myself to do a number of things–to ... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=577887 Sat, 28 Apr 2007 19:28:24 +0100 577887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513063&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F03%2F13%2Fon-our-way%2F I talked to a friend whose mother moved into a nursing home last July. Jen confirmed what I’d heard about adjustment: that it’s incremental and can take several months. The going was rough for awhile–her mother needs care primarily due to physical problems but the physical and emotional stress of failing health and a new environment probably had something to do with the dementia that arose. I remember talking to Jen a few months ago and she was extremely discouraged. But her appreciation for her mother’s home has increased with her mother’s acceptance of it. Her mother, she told me yesterday, is now “at home.” My mother has been at Garden Manor for two and a half months, and I’d say that she’s definitely in the middle stages of her adju... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513063 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:13:45 +0100 513063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513079&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmartinac.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fshame-on-forbes-heres-important-post-by.html "Shame on Forbes"Here's an important post by my blogging buddy Mona, exposing a revolting Forbes.com series of "articles" on starting up and running a senior living facility: read her astute assessment here.If this ticks you off (and it should), write to Forbes.com and let them know, and also ask them to try running a real piece of journalism on the growing costs and problems of long-term care in this country, instead of this insensitive and poorly researched drivel. Just scroll down to the "comments" section of the article to leave your thoughts. (Source: Dementia Blues) Dementia Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513079 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:30:00 +0100 513079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513080&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmartinac.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fvisit-1.html "Visit 1.0" I visited my mom yesterday for the first time since she went into the assisted living residence last Monday. Right after lunch, I found her in her cute room, getting spruced up for whatever activity was next. (She wasn't sure, but the schedule told us it was Charades in the Sunroom.) I brought her a primrose plant and some chocolate as a peace offering, as I expected her to lash into me for "abandoning" her. But she was amazingly calm and welcoming, and we talked a little, then went to Charades together. Try to imagine a dozen dementia-lite octogenarians, some in walkers or with canes, doing their best to play a pantomime game. On top of the obvious challenges, the activity person had inexplicably chosen to play "Holiday Charades," forcing the residents to find ways to act o... Dementia Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513080 Sun, 11 Mar 2007 19:24:00 +0100 513080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513064&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F03%2F10%2Ftime-will-tell%2F I almost adopted another collie last weekend. I’ve been sneaking a search or two on Petfinder during my workday, and one day I spotted the picture of a beautiful 4-year-old collie up for adoption in Connecticut. I filled out the application and the rescue organization responded enthusiastically. But the owner would be the one to decide, and she wanted–understandably–an adopter who would not have to leave the dog while at work. So that was that, but I couldn’t help myself thinking, “So you don’t think I’d be a good enough caregiver, huh? Your loss.” But I’m still feeling a strong impulse to get another dog. It doesn’t have to be a puppy, but I’m wondering if that might be the path of least resistance. How nice to have a being... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513064 Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:19:36 +0100 513064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513081&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmartinac.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fshes-there-part-2-my-mother-had-good.html "She's There…, Part 2"My mother had a good day yesterday, according to a report from my oldest sister C. She attended a musical performance by a local high school group, then had dinner at her assigned table, and finally - the part that really stunned me - "visited with her neighbor."In the 50-plus years of our relationship, I have never known my mother to "visit with her neighbor." When I was growing up, our next-door neighbor, Mrs. G., occasionally invited Mom over for coffee during the day, but she always declined. Or Mrs. G. would spot Mom watering plants in the back yard and try to engage her in small talk. Later, Mom would click her tongue and complain to us, "Doesn't she have work to do?" Likewise, women she knew from volunteering at my school's cafeteria tried to coax her out for... Dementia Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513081 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 20:28:00 +0100 513081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513082&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmartinac.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fshes-there.html "She's There..."My mom had her first day and night at assisted living yesterday.Given her mental condition and behavior - she acts like a little girl most of the time - it was very similar to taking a child to the first day of school and having to leave her, even though she cries and throws a tantrum and begs to go home. But you leave her there anyway, because she has to go to school, and you know she'll eventually adjust, make friends, find her place. (I can't take credit for this very apt analogy, since I don't have any children; my sister M., who sent two kids to school, came up with it.)Needless to say, it was an awful day, starting at 9 a.m., when my sister and I arrived to help my mother take a sponge bath and get dressed. To my surprise, Mom was half-prepared to go - she had packed ... Dementia Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513082 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:13:00 +0100 513082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513083&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmartinac.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fthings-in-my-mothers-dresser-when-my.html "Things in My Mother's Dresser"When my sister was emptying out my mother's dresser in preparation for moving it to the assisted living residence, she found some touching things, some curious things.Some of the touching:1. Many of the cards we made for her when we were kids2. A yellowed "Dear Abby" column with the headline "Missing Mom in the Worst Way" (My mother's mother died when she was 10, suddenly, and I believe my mom has never really gotten over it - so this column would have resonated.)3. Two Kodak cameras - one older than I am that I had never seen before, and one that was aimed at me countless times when I was a child4. My mother's removable fur collars - I remember her so clearly dressing up for dancing on Saturday nights in form-fitting dresses, high heels, and coats with a nar... Dementia Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513083 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 23:39:00 +0100 513083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513084&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmartinac.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fmore-assisted-living-giant-hurdle-after.html "More Assisted Living"Giant hurdle: After packing last night, today we moved my mother's furniture and possessions into her room at Westminster Place and set them up. She herself goes to stay on Monday morning.It's been a jam-packed couple of days, with Mom alternately sobbing, seemingly uncontrollably, and then swiftly snapping out of it, a bit of a Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation. She has also been uncharacteristically eating a lot, probably out of nervousness at seeing some of her things packed up. This morning, she ate a bowl of cereal at 9:30, then a ham and cheese sandwich a little after 11:00, then a hard-boiled egg sandwich and an oatmeal bar an hour after that. We didn't stop her - eating kept her occupied while we were getting everything squared away for "Dudes Who Move," the two ... Dementia Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513084 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 23:21:00 +0100 513084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513065&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F02%2F24%2Fhiatus%2F I’m taking a bit of a hiatus from blogging here for a couple of reasons. The main reason is that I’m trying to hit my stride, now that I’ve got work, my home and my mother’s new home on my map. My mother is doing well–she’s still asking to go home, but not as desperately as a few weeks ago. I make a short visit twice during the week, and then we go out for a few hours on Sunday. It’s a slow progress, finding the right balance of time spent with her and time spent away. And I can’t always rely on her reports, which makes it harder to judge how well she’s doing. (She’s told me that all she gets to eat is “leftovers” and that no one has anything to do with anyone else. And a few minutes later she’ll mention the exer... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513065 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:28:09 +0100 513065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513085&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmartinac.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F02%2Fassisted-living-here-we-come-my-mom-has.html "Assisted Living, Here We Come?"My mom has been accepted into a very good, religious-affiliated assisted living facility here, and there is a nice room available for her - if she moves now. This is, of course, pretty sudden - my sister and I took her there for evaluation and tour just this week, and now it's looking as if she may be living there by March 5 or 6. The weight of making this huge decision rides on my back like a small, squirmy child - which is, by the way, how my mother acts most of the time now.The facility tour went amazingly well - way beyond our expectations. Mom actually opted to stay for lunch, and she lit up when talking to some of the residents and watching them engaged in activities, like bowling (something she and my dad liked to do). She seemed very interested in th... Dementia Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513085 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:18:00 +0100 513085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513066&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F02%2F06%2Fpictures%2F I haven’t been wanting to write much lately. I’m feeling tired and uninspired, just trying to deal with the ups and downs of this spell. A routine is starting to take shape: I visit my mother on Tuesdays and Thursdays right after work. I leave the library at 3:30 and get to Garden Manor by 4. I sit with my mother until dinner, which is served at 5. For the past two Sundays we’ve gone out to lunch and then for a short ride. This seems to be working well for her, although she has accused me of not visiting “for weeks” when I let two days elapse between visits. We had a very nice visit today. I found my mother in the common room, watching TV with several others. She looked happy to see me and, although she did mention hoping to go home, she seemed calm and settle... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513066 Wed, 07 Feb 2007 01:21:35 +0100 513066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513067&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F01%2F27%2Fletting-go%2F Today is colorless and cold, one of those bland, blank winter days. After weeks of unnaturally mild weather we were snapped in two yesterday when the temperature dropped to the single digits. I left for work yesterday morning in 7 degree Fahrenheit air. My car sounded like it was about to fall apart when I started it. Steam billowed out of the stormdrains along the way, and at work a frost had settled on the inside of window beside my workstation. I suppose the season is a good backdrop to my mood. I haven’t been able to settle, and I don’t know how long the guilt and anxiety–mostly guilt–will be daily presences. An inner voice nags me and demands repeated reminders of all the factors that led to the decision to move my mother into assisted living. I’m beginn... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513067 Sat, 27 Jan 2007 23:20:47 +0100 513067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513068&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F01%2F14%2Fin-transit%2F My mother in into her third week at Garden Manor, and I can see that she’s settling in. She has a couple of friends she often sits with and she’s gone on a couple of outings. Last week she had her hair cut and permed. Visiting remains difficult, for both of us, I think. When she sees Liz or me, she begins her lament: she’s anxious, she cries, she has nothing to do, the food is awful, she wishes God would take her, and Why are you being so mean to me? The past few times she’s had her belongings–pictures and clothes–all ready to be packed up. She commands and then she pleads to be taken home. I’m still working on the timing. I’d been going everyday until last Thursday, when I had the much-anticipated post-traumatic migraine, and apparently she ... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513068 Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:05:47 +0100 513068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513069&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F01%2F07%2Fmaking-the-change%2F It’s been a rough couple of weeks. Anticipating and planning for the move to assisted living, making the move, and now adjusting to it–each stage has exacted its emotional toll. I began visiting my mother six days after she moved in, and if I had it to do over again, I would visit her earlier. But who knows? There’s no way to hurry the grief and adjustment for her, but I think moving her in and then disappearing for nearly a week (on the advice of the staff) might have confused her more than she would normally have been. I now visit every day. At this point, I don’t know what’s best but this is my gut impulse. The university I work for is now in intersession, so I’m able to leave earlier than usual in the afternoon–I’m off at 3:15 and I can m... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513069 Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:52:33 +0100 513069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513070&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2006%2F12%2F30%2Fassisted-living-pt-5%2F This is the first entry I’ve written from my own home. Last night was the first time in two years that I’ve slept in my own bed. I’m having a decidedly mixed reaction to the present. My mother moved into her assisted living unit on Thursday, an experience that lived up to all expectations. I haven’t visited her yet, on the advice of the staff, but I’ve talked twice to her on the telephone. She is extremely angry at me. The staff tell me that she is doing quite well–although not participating yet in activities–and has interacted with the other residents on her unit. But it’ll be a long while before she forgives me. I’ve gone over this and every other option in my head time and time again, and so I know that this is the best I can do for ... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513070 Sun, 31 Dec 2006 04:15:14 +0100 513070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513071&cid=t_108871_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2006%2F12%2F26%2Fassisted-living-pt-4%2F My mother went to bed early tonight (about 7:30) but I can hear her up again, wandering into the kitchen, the living room. Today I told her that I’d arranged for her to move to assisted living, and I imagine that she’s unable to sleep because of that. She responded in no uncertain terms that she did NOT want to leave this house, where she has lived for almost 60 years. Every bit of advice I’d received counseled me to be firm. Don’t ask her, tell her. I had rehearsed my words for weeks, wanting to couch my firmness in love and not bossiness. She made a face and then seemed to sink into herself. In the end I couldn’t help myself wanting to discuss it all with her: “What other option is there?” I asked after she agreed that I should move back to my ho... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513071 Wed, 27 Dec 2006 03:27:54 +0100 513071