It's been a long time since I've posted. But if you have no good news, why burden people with the bad? We're all trying to move along and look to the future as best we can.
I appreciate some of the comments posted to me - and my heart goes out to the person whose husband suffered a somewhat similar fate at the very same hospital.
Thank you for reaching out. I hope you are ok.
Finally, some good news.
It has taken two years, but Mary is now being "transitioned" to a March of Dimes facility that offers more constant care in a smaller setting.
We are beyond relieved. It's been a long haul and we've looked at some places, suggested by CCAC, that were horrifying to view.
One was a nursing home facility that must house most of the city's geriatric psychiatric patients. Not a place for a young woman with a child who visits regularly.
I was panhandled for money four times - and that was just in the lobby. Some patients were very aggressive and communicated only by shouting.
Her new home is dedicated to caring for people with acquired brain injury. So she won't be alone.
The staff at the new place have been incredibly welcoming and kind. This summer - the transitioning started a few weeks ago - will be dedicated to taking Mary back and forth from her current apartment to the facility as everyone gets used to the level of care required to make sure she is safe and comfortable once she moves.
It takes a lot of work; Mary likes to move around and gets agitated every 20 minutes or so. Her short memory means she forgets where she is. She can tip a wheelchair in no time and roll herself into furniture, walls and knees like a pro.
We travel back and forth - thankfully, it's a short distance - with her frozen pureed foods, her thickened drinks and whatever else is needed to help the staff and Mary get used to the new setting.
Who knew you could fit a commode chair and wheelchair in the back of the car!
The partial move starts Aug. 14, the final move on Aug. 31. We will start decorating Mary's room in a few weeks with photos of friends and family and some of the things she loves. Her TV is crucial. Where would she be without an afternoon of Ellen or Dr. Phil?
More to come ......
