Filling in the blanks. Mom is gradually “allowing” more furniture but still no pictures on the walls.
It’s now day three at Garden Villas. There have been both expected and unexpected ups & downs but I feel good about the decision we have made and direction we are now headed. I feel a sense of safety for mom even stronger than I had imagined and there is so much personal care and attention. Mom is quickly getting use to being waited on. I have been spending the nights with her and will continue this until she gets more oriented to where she is.
The biggest unexpected bonus for me is the option to hire additional personal care for residents. For now this additional assistance will help cover most of the concerns I have around the choice between Assisted Living or Independent Living. Bring on Lucy! She’s the boss and has worked at Garden Villas for thirteen years. She and her flock of angels are taking over and I think mom enjoys the pampering and interaction. This is beyond room service. Breakfast and dinner are either delivered to her room or she is escorted to and from the dining room. My sense is mom will have breakfast in her room and dinner with the residents. Lucy “safety-checks” in on mom several times through out the day, does her laundry and will give her a bath three times a week.
The new morning oatmeal routine. Lucy delivered breakfast for both of us. Mom said – I don’t think I could have done “this” anymore.
My Favorite first comments from mom:
• The food here is better that Meals on Wheels.
It’s also better than most of the restaurants we have eaten in. I continue to be grateful for Meals on Wheels and what they provided for mom.
• I’m amazed by how many men there are.
I hear this about five times a day and it’s usually one of the first things she mentions when friends ask her what she thinks of the “place”.
• Everyone is so friendly and nice.
This was her response when I asked her if she could tell me one thing that she noticed that she liked (if anything) the day after she moved in.
• The grounds are so well maintained and the cloud formations are beautiful.
I remember her telling me she didn’t care if she had a room with a view. She is already indulging in one of her favorite pass times – looking out the windows – if to only see what the neighbors were doing.