Mum (90) is starting with dementia, very limited mobility, and was going stir crazy in her flat for the last 15 months. In March 2020 she had a heart attack and stroke, and went into respite for a couple of week, which turned into 14 weeks of lockdown with no visitors, limited mixing, and no way for us to get a care package in place for her in the flat.
She is virtually flat-bound, walks with a frame, can't manage steps, only sees neighbours through the window until recently, etc etc.
As things have opened up, she has become aware that people can go out, and really missed her friends as the 'wrinklies' meetings were not going ahead. Her brother's partner is in a home, and he said it was nice, so she eventually said she would like to try it, and last Monday we took her in for 2 weeks' respite care.
I try and ring every coupe of days, as does my sister, but at a 2 hour drive away and visiting still restricted to one person I haven't seen her. There have been the odd grumblings on the phone, a bit chilly, bed too hard, garlic bread (which she hates) with one of the meals, minor stuff. Last night on the phone they dragged her out of a Judy Garland film to talk to me (with her 'shampaign' cocktail) and she asked "Well, how long am I in here for?".
I feared the novelty had worn off.
"2 weeks", I said, "I'm coming to rescue you on Monday but I can come tomorrow if you want" (we still have the home care package in place).
"Oh no, I don't want to go back to that flat, I'm staying here. I have a nice room over the garden and if I go home and come back again I might end up on the road side and I don't want that".
So, that seems to be that. Going up this afternoon anyway to check the flat and talk to the Home about options, and I think we will take her back to the flat for a week anyway as we have health visits, family coming to see her (which is difficult in the home with the testing etc required), and nails and hair booked in.
Then probably back to the Home and we'll give it a couple of months then think about selling the flat.
Under PoA.
So expect to see me here ranting in November
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
Paul