Ongoing in-law saga

[silver]

just a little update for those who are following the saga of Mr.'s parents.

The weekend before last they told us that they wanted to consider moving because of problems in the assisted living facility (ALF) that they live in. The ALF has had lots of problems, but it's nearby, they liked the other residents and there were some staff that really took good care of them. But the turn over in staff was HUGE and care varied as new people came in and learned the ropes. Well, things really have gone incredibly downhill and we felt that we really should investigate our options.

So I did some leg work last week. I found another ALF that is nearby and that I liked. Honestly, when compared to how bad the care has gotten I was blown away to see how well cared for the residents were in the new ALF. I actually feel guilty for not insisting that they move sooner.

The in-laws are actually doing ok heathwise, but Mr.'s mother (MIL) has actually taken a little downturn in her health. I've been able to accumulate some information and finally realized that the symptoms that she is showing are actually her celiac disease. I did some investigation and found that she is refusing to take her modified meals and insisting on having items that contain gluten. She's telling everyone that she doesn't have celiac disease, because she is eating wheat and not throwing up, a symptom which she associated with eating wheat in the past. Because of the turnover in staff and new staff not being educated to to her condition she was able to get away with this. However she now takes a reflux medication which repressed that symptom. The symptoms that she has....anemia and increased liver enzymes, only showed up in her bloodwork.

So, this is actually a good thing that hopefully this new facility will be better and they will get better care. ultimately the decision of whether to encourage them to move here or not goes to me. The decision is for the In-laws and for Mr. but they are going with my recommendation. I feel a lot of weight from that responsibility. I accept this responsibility gladly, and I want the best for them, it's just a weighty one.

So anyway, today, I start the process of getting them moved. It will probably take the next week and a half to get everything done.

You ladies have been very helpful with all our issues with the in-laws, so I thought I'd give an update. thanks for listening.
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[sundial]

Silver, I think one of the ministries we are called to is taking care of our parents. It's never easy and at times the heartache is great, but it can be very fulfilling. I'm glad you have the support of your in-laws and your husband because it seems the weight is usually put on the shoulders of one. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this time of transition.

[Mr. Bloom]

Thanks sundial. Silver's done a great job, particularly since I'm only there on weekends.

This is the right decision. For those who have healthy and strong parents, be grateful. For those with aged and infirm parents in some type of facility, don't thake the adequacy of their care for granted.

Now, we go through the fun of buying them all new furniture to furnish their new apartment, just three years after selling all their furniture to move into the current, furnished one.

Man Makes His Plans...and God Laughs...

[Flybye]

Crowns to ya both!

[Jo-n-NY]

It sounds like you have made the right decision Silver. I never saw the original thread.

Although off the topic of this thread, I want to congratulate you on your one year anniversary of a huge hurdle dealt to you in your life. You have went to the exreme with your progress.

My crash was two years ago on Labor Day and when we ride on that day, all the thoughts come back. I watch the clock and think what I was doing at that time. My crash was a far cry from yours as I only had a fractured shoulder, but I can relate with your feelings of getting back in the saddle. The number one thought was how quickly I would get back to riding, and how the love for the sport has increased over time. I finally found a town official that might have some clout in improving the roads. I will contact him after election day (I am optimistic he will be re-elected). He is also a cyclist
(I tried to post on your thread for this subject, but got an error page, this is a little hijack).

~ JoAnn

[solobiker]

I am glad you are getting these matters resolved. I work with the geriatric population and know how hard it is to find a place that provides good care. It may take the IL a little while to get adjusted to the new environment. Not sure if you have done this but if I were you I would show up at different times to the new ALF to see if it is different in the evenings vs the mornings. Good Luck!!