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My Mom and I ended up going to the care facility ourselves, without Dad, as his condition has become better over the weekend. It's almost like night and day. Hopefully its because the new med he took for a few days (Zyprexa) has left his system. After looking at info on several websites about side-effects of this drug (and for what conditions its supposed to be prescribed) I don't know how it can be prescribed to anyone! Such is the case with so many meds given not only to Alzheimer's patients but to others.

Anyway, back to the care center. Mom and I went there and asked a bunch of questions, getting some good answers that at least informed us on what to do in the future. We took a tour of the place. Its supposed to be a good home (several people we know recommended it), right in the middle of the hospital and clinic area. We were given some info to look at, as I told the administrator that we weren't ready yet to do anything as Dad has improved to the point he was before taking the Zyprexa. Once we got to the parking lot my Mom said she would never put Dad in a nursing home after being in there. It was so, so depressing. And so...I guess clinical might be the word for it, I don't know. It just wasn't "homey". It was so sad to see patients sitting in rooms or hallways, no expression on their faces at all, or wandering the hallways. And it seemed so disorganized. She said that when the time comes she'd rather have in-home care, which is something she's really been avoiding even thinking about although the neurologist's office will set her up with a service whenever she says the word.

Thanks for the responses to my prior posting. This board is a true blessing.

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Thanks for your responses! There are several other care centers in town that we plan to look at in the future, just in case. I know they'll be more expensive, but they are set up with a much more "at home" atmosphere than the one we looked at. Aside from home health care, we know that several hospices here in town will come out and assess Dad when the time comes that he needs more care, and will assist in many ways while he's still at home. It's just very difficult thinking about that! Dad did have an appointment with his regular GP yesterday. She wrote prescriptions for a handicapped placard for the car for when we take him places (it WON"T be in the car when he's not with us...I really get irritated at people who think once they have the placard they can just use it for themselves and take up a handicap spot! rant...rant) and for a wheelchair. Medicare may pay partial cost of the wheelchair, just depends. We'll check into that and go by DMV next time we're in that part of town. It was just so wonderful the last few days to actual carry on a conversation with Dad and to see recognition in his eyes and even a smile on his face. While we sat at the pharmacy yesterday waiting for meds he wondered at the way people dress to go out in public! So like him....
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So glad your dad is feeling better and you and your mom aren't faced with having to make a choice to put him in the care center. I hope he stays on the mend, for awhile yet, and that, when the time comes, home health care is a good solution for you all. I'm thinking my dad's next step will be home health care too, at least part of the time.
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Dear Virtual, glad Dad is feeling better and hope it stays that way. If you have the resources, it's worth a try to keep him home awhile longer. I hope it works out for you, but also keep looking at other facilities, maybe all by yourself and take Mom to see the one you like best if the circumstances come to that again.
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Dear Virtual, glad Dad is feeling better and hope it stays that way. If you have the resources, it's worth a try to keep him home awhile longer. I hope it works out for you, but also keep looking at other facilities, maybe all by yourself and take Mom to see the one you like best if the circumstances come to that again.
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Guess you have your answer, I think I would feel the same as your Mom does, care facilities are so sad to visit I just could not think of leaving my husband in one. You will all make out, your Mom and you know what lies ahead & will have the strength to get through it. Glad your Dad is feeling better.
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