99 year old Mother suddenly needs skilled nursing care.

I've mentioned before that my mother is 99 and lives in an assisted living facility in Venice, just south of Sarasota. A couple of weeks ago, she spiked a temperature and the assisted living folks sent her the hospital for what turned to be only a bladder infection. Thank goodness. 

The doctor was a nice young fellow and kept in touch with us daily. After three nights in the hospital, the doctor told us he was releasing her to go back to her home. 

Knowing how quickly one can lose muscle tone while in bed, we asked if someone had been getting her up and walking every day. He said, "Oh, that's a good idea," as though it hadn't occurred to him before. 

The next morning, the physical therapy folks gave her an evaluation and recommended that she be sent to a skilled nursing facility for physical therapy before being released to go back to assisted living. They estimated it would take mother 10 days to 2 weeks of therapy to be strong enough to walk unassisted with her walker. 

The nursing home they wanted to send her to was adjacent to her assisted living facility. Both of my sisters have spent time in that nursing home, and we hated the place. The nurses were cranky and unpleasant. The place smelled bad throughout, and everything was very institutional, in our judgement. 

We quickly checked with The Glenridge, the CCRC (continuing care retirement community) we live in, to see if they had room in their skilled nursing section, called the Carroll Center. They did, and we quickly had mother moved there, right down the street from us. 

Frankly, I had never seen the inside of the Carroll Center, but had heard great things about it.  I was dazzled by it. The room was private. Each room was decorated like a bedroom at home would be, and the nurses were delightful and caring. Mother got outstanding physical therapy sessions every day, not just weekdays. She loves the place. She doesn't want to go back to her home. 

Unlike other nursing homes, the Carroll Center had no odors, no feeling of being institutional, and delightful surroundings. I hope I never need skilled nursing, but I know now, if I do, I'll get the best care possible. 

Mom's still in the Carroll Center, and if we can, were trying to get her into the assisted living portion of The Glenridge. Normally, they only have room in assisted living for Glenridge members, but this is the first time a Glenridge member's mother requested space, so they might be able to work something out. I'll let you know how that goes. 

Yours for a happier, more stimulating, more exciting retirement,

Ken Johnston

P.S. If you're interested in discovering more about living in a CCRC, check out The Glenridge web site and see what you want to look for for your retirement community.