Comments on: Nursing Home Cheer

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:42:22 +0000

I’m not sure I agree that we have to choose between physical and mental health as we age. I’m not planning to lose either one. I plan to live until I die. There are people who are physically and mentally active into a very old age. Why not me? Why not us? I realize we don’t always have that much control, but why not plan for it, anyway?

As far as you not remembering that you already posted a comment on this blog, that was 5 months ago! If you could remember every conversation you had 5 months ago, you would be some kind of phenomenon!

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:27:24 +0000

This is sad. I have no memory of writing the above post to this blog. I fear, like I’ve mentioned to Mother…It appears that as you reach a certain age the choice is a good physical body or a good mind. I’m beginning to believe my mind is definitely going to go first and it’s actually quite scary! ha

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:59:47 +0000

And thanks for your comment, Phyllis. In one of my drafts I mentioned that Daddy had stayed there for a short while (across the hall from Karen — remember her?), but it really didn’t relate to the women I was profiling. I still get some feelings of nostalgia as I walk over there (especially at night) or pass the window where, as you say, the angels took him.

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:22:56 +0000

Yvonne and Cheryl, I found it kinda cool that you both posted on Daddy’s Birthdate! I like nursing homes, and would like to find a connection with one to go visit. I am picky tho…there are a couple here in Jackson that bring discomfort to me (smells, sad people, etc) but there are several I’ve visited that are not like this.

I have fond Memories of Imperial Manor, even with that being Dad’s last sleeping place before walking with his angels! (grin) I think the staff at nursing home makes a world of difference as well.

I’m not getting reminders to check out your blog…so I forget to come here! I’ll have to figure out why I don’t get the reminder.

Thanks for writing…

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:39:47 +0000

After that particular visit, my perception of nursing homes did change a bit; I’m more grateful for the care they offer than I used to be. It’s never ideal (what is?). but those that I talked about seem to make the most of their situations.

I think what must be difficult for nursing home residents is the lack of privacy, as well as the lack of mobility and lack of choices of food, for example. The Terrace where your mom lives is no less confining than an apartment would be, plus she has the advantage of pleasant surroundings, home care and food as she needs them. The most important thing, as you say, is that she’s happy.

By: Ganelle

Ganelle — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:38:48 +0000

I loved seeing your nursing home through your eyes and how you perceived the residents you encountered. I am so thankful Mother has been able to stay at the Terrace for as long as she has and hopefully she will be there for a few more years. She loves it there; is always happy, has a smile on her face and never complains.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:45:38 +0000

You’re right, Yvonne. I’ve been in a few like that, too. One in Corinth, Mississippi, comes to mind. Our kids were with us on that visit, and Neale swore to me then that he would never allow us to go into a nursing home. I fear those conditions might be more the rule than the exception.

What I’m finding from my experiences here is that these people can’t be grouped as one type of person, that each one has a different story, and it’s becoming less of an effort for me to visit them. Going with Shirley helps, because she’s lived here all her life and knew many of them when they lived “on the outside.”

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:29:10 +0000

This brought back so many memories, Cheryl. Thank you for this positive report. I do think “your” nursing home is friendlier and warmer than many I’ve been in.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:53:48 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Lori! And your color scheme sounds like a plan to me!

You’ve just made me appreciate more what we have here in this small town.
I don’t know how it is in other places, but here, you could decorate your room any way you wanted, with your own personal effects. The nursing home lunchroom is a little sterile, but their lounge is comfortable, with a canary cage attached to one of the walls. Our church group sings with the residents occasionally, and the birds join in. Quite sweet.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:29:09 +0000

Yes, very few would be cheered by a visit to the nursing home! Odd that I was just thinking this morning how incredible sterile and cold those places tend to be. Where is the law that says all nursing facilities have to be painted either white or dirty eggshell? I want sage green with brick red accent pillows!