Personal: We moved my dad from rehab to assisted living
Posted By RichC on April 17, 2015
I don’t think many of us are properly prepared to make the decisions that are needed to care for elderly parents. Even though my brother and I have been through medical needs, nursing and then hospice care for my mom, we were still not knowledgeable when it came to handling dad. Thankfully, if you have the time,
the right decisions can be made – at least that is how we feel right now.
On Wednesday Ron and I moved our dad from his rehab stay to Lane Park in Sidney, Ohio. We struggled over this decision for the last few weeks. We both knew dad was going to need care (both physically and for his memory) and that meant he was not going to be able to return to his home and live independently. Neither of us were satisfied with traditional nursing homes, although dad was amiable if that was the decision. On the other hand, we are fortunate and have the financial ability to look at assisted living options.
Brenda and I looked at places in Liberty Twp and West Chester, Ohio and lobbied for a nice place near our home … while Ron and Claire found very nice places near their house north of Dayton. Thankfully dad made himself heard and decided he wanted to live near his home for almost 40 years, Sidney, Ohio (has it really been that long?) The icing on the cake was when the director at Lane Park said he would transfer dad’s home phone number to his room and host my dad’s veteran buddies for his monthly “penny poker” gathering. We even added an unusual touch to dad’s door by putting up a garage Packard thermometer (dad’s car). That sealed it … we were all onboard (and not bad advertising for others who are getting up in years).
Dad seemed content and happy with his view out his window where he can see the comings and goings of everyone (front door and turning circle view) and has the TV remote figured out enough that he can watch the Cincinnati Reds. Ron and I left him in good hand and relieved for the first time in a few months. Whew … I never gave much thought the idea that once our kids were on their own that we would be worrying about parents!
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