I got out yesterday and checked out two nursing homes within ten minutes of us and I think I found one that will work out. At least I am willing to give it a try. I had an appointment at one place but thought I might as well check out this one since it was closer. I spent 45 minutes at the first place making a tour of the building. Everyone seemed very friedly and there was no odor and it was very clean.
Then I went to the one where I had the appointment only to find out that the person wasn't even there. Another girl said she could show me around but she coldn't answer any questions. I spent ten minutes there. The patients wer all sleeping in their chairs in their room and the odor was terrible. I couldn't picture leaving Bill there.
The social worker is doing the paper work on getting Bill in for respite. Now I have to find a way to get him there. There is no way I could get him in the car. I'll make a few calls to see what is out there.

Joyce,

You might want to check with a local ambulance service or the fire department (try this first) to see if they will do a non-emergency transfer. Also, if there is an Area Agency on Aging or a public transit system, you may want to give them a call. Know anyone with a van equipped with a lift?

Just some ideas. Good luck with the transfer and an excellent idea for you to get a little break, as hard as it may be.

Thoughts and prayers to you,

Joyce

Called Smart Bus and they will pick him up at the curb and take him. I need to call 2 days before to make a reservation. Cost $1. Guess I can't ask for anything better.

I'm so glad you're finding such helpful resources, Joyce.
BIG hug,
Carol

The nursing home called to say everything was set for Bill to enter respite on Monday.
Now the problem: I called Smart Bus to reserve a ride and they are now teling me they don't service our area. I've called several places and they each say "We service your city but not the city the nursing home is located." or just the reverse. We're talking a three mile trip. What good is public transportation if you can't leave the city you live in?

I finally called a cab company and they were very nice. They have three handicap vans and they could take him there. The charge is around $40 but it would be reimbursed by medicare and if not at least it would be a medical deduction on our taxes. The gentleman I talked to said he would do some checking for me and see if he could come up with a cheaper rate. He is going to call me back this afternoon.

The social worker is also checking to see if she can come up with transportation, also.

However it works out, Bill will be going to respite on Monday. Guess I better get my Christmas shopping done next week.

Geez, can we ever get something done for us without all these obstacles in the way? Smart bus isn't too smart huh?

Hopefully the cab service will work out good for you. Sounds like their going to do everything they can to help you out. So nice to hear when someone cooperates and has some heart.

Now on Monday, shop till you drop!!

Jackie

Joyce, when I was doing EMS, we did a lot of non-emergency transfers. Maybe you could talk with the EMS coordinator and see if you can work something out with your local ambulance?

Thanks for the suggestion Snick. I'll do some checking on that before his next respite.

Jackie,
I'll do some shopping, but I'm already ready to drop. I'm just glad that our three oldest grandkids said they would prefer gift cards so that makes it easier. Now I just have to figure out what the BIG kids would want or could use. That is besides money. It seems like the young (compared to me) people have everything they want. At least they have everything I can afford. It was a lot easier when I could get a stuffed toy or a truck and they were excited about it. Now I spend more on one than I used to spend on four.
I promise I will just do my own thing and relax.

I'm not telling anyone he's going in or they would all be making plans for me.

I went to see Bill at lunch time today, I'm not happy because I feel they should be giving him more attention. I feel he should get the same care I try to give him. I know that he isn't getting the same attention I give him but he seemed very content. He has no idea where he is or that he isn't home.

After I left him I went to see another place for next month. His regular doctor recommended it but I didn't get a chance to check it out in time to take him there this time. I called the social worker after I got home and told her to call me so I could give her a name and number to call so everything will be ready for the next time.

I went to see Bill today and on the way out the admitting person stopped me and said the staff had ask her if I was caring for him by myself at home. They didn't believe that it was just me and the hospice aides that came in 5 days a week to bathe him.

Guess he's giving them a run for their money.

Wow, maybe the other people they've seen being cared for at home aren't clean or....????? I know when the time comes when my brother's house isn't going to work for mom anymore I'll be checking out NHs for respite and I'll feel exactly the way you are feeling. I don't hover over her by any means, but I know I am going to feel like they aren't paying her enough attention. Heck, I already feel like that about my brother's house!

I was telling my daughter that the admitting person said the staff thought I must be (I couldn't remember the word she used) to tell what they thought about me being able to do it by myself and told my daughter that. She tried to come up with the word but all she could think of was crazy, stupid, an idiot or just plain weird. These words probably come closer to the truth than the one she used. But I'd rather say I do it because I want to.