A VERY DIFFICULT DECISION!! (Care Home)

Member Name: senga53

Product:	Care Home
Date:	04/11/08 (340 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Peace of mind for the family,

Disadvantages: Something is missing from family life

I have worked in 'Care' for more years than I would like to remember. There are lots of different types of Care Homes.

There are Care Homes for young people with Physical Disabilities, for young people with Mental Health Issues, for people who suffer from Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, Eating Disorders and this names only a few.

There are also Care Homes providing, either Residential Care or Nursing Care for the elderly and infirm.

In this review, I would like to talk about Nursing Homes for the elderly.

Today I went to visit my Mother-in-Law at a Nursing Home, which will be her home from now on.

She is a wonderful lady, and I love and respect her very much. She is suffering from Vascular Dementia, Diabetes and Asthma. Having been in hospital for the last five months, the family had to make the very difficult decision, regarding her future care.

The Doctors had told the family that this lovely lady was a danger to herself. All she wanted to do was to walk around, but one part of her brain told her she could walk but the other part of her brain forgot to tell her legs to move. This resulted in many falls. The Doctors suggested a Nursing Home and advised that this was best for my mother-in-law.

The family got together and the deision was made. Not an easy decision and there were lots of sadness and tears.

The family visited lots of homes, before making their decision and I think they have chosen one of the best.

She now has her own room and bathroom. The room is beautifully decorated in lovely pale colours, with everything matching. Everything is spotlessly clean and I would have struggled to find even a speck of dust. I have been told by other family members that the food looks very appetising.

In the past I have always been the person who tried to re-assure family members that their loved ones were being very well looked after. Today was a completely different story. My hubby and I were the one's being re-assured.

When we went to her room, she looked so pleased to see us. She was sitting in her chair with everything she needed close by. We chatted for a while, some sensible conversation and some not so sensible.

She appeared to be settling in very well. The staff offered us tea and coffee, which was nice, as we could sit and have a cup of tea without waiting for the end of visiting.

One member of staff in particular was very kind to us, and she told us that we could visit at any time, as this was now mum's home.

I am happy with the idea that we can visit at any time. To me this means that they have nothing to hide.

Hubby put her family pictures up on her wall and this went down very well. Her new television is being delivered this afternoon.

Overall things look fine, but because I have worked in Nursing Homes, I will be keeping a very close eye on the day to day goings on.

All Care Homes have to be kept up to Care Commission Standards and in the main this is true. My concern is the few who slip through the net.

I don't expect there to be any problems with this Nursing Home, but previous experience tells me to be vigilant.

It was a very difficult visit for hubby and I to make today, but I am pleased with what I have seen so far. I am also delighted that 'mum' has settled in so quickly.

Summary: Hopefully the right decision has been made......