aging parents
Have been in the perculiar situation where I have reversed roles with my mom. She had a stroke in November and was in the hospital for almost 2 months!!!! Stroke patients I am learning need help making decisions especially if there has been cognative damage...which with my mom's stroke was a side effect. Guiding/helping your parent make a good decision as to whether or not to return back to the old homestead or to go into a supportive environmentis HUGE. After much brainstorming with my other siblingsand previewing homes on the North Shore we selected Amica. It was the only home that allowed temporary respite care. We had nothing to lose. Mom went in for 3 weeks on temporary status and within a few days she decided that this was where she wanted to stay. I was a bit suprised as I was thinking that she wanted to go back home. After spending 1 day with her at Amica I quickly realized that what is not to like at Amica. All her peers were here they have a great social schedule.....exercise class, swimming and lively discussion groups. So we have signed a 1 years lease with Amica and we will be moving her into her new permanent room with her own furniture knick knacks at the beginning of the month. Still feels strange advising my mom AND am learning how important it is to have siblings to help out with these big family decisions.