My mum has been living in this care home for a couple of years now. She is elderly, has had depression and her condition is a degenerative one and her physical and cognitive ability have declined rapidly. I work full time and can only visit on weekends, which I do regularly. Every weekend, I always find Mum 'parked' in front of her television-she is wheelchair bound-I never find her socialising or in anyone's company. I stay with her for up to 3-4 hours at times, and I never see any staff to say hello, offer the toilet or a drink, other than a scheduled morning or afternoon tea (which is left in front of her, on her table, even though she cannot feed herself).
There are activities set up in the common room on weekends, but in the 12months + I have been visiting, I have never witnessed anyone using these activities (games etc), other than ourselves (occasionally). I never see staff playing with, or encouraging play with these games. It would be great to see people talking, spending time socialising in groups -I've only ever seen individuals walking around solo, or sitting by themselves in their rooms -I have only ever seen 95% of the residents in their rooms on their own (when the door is open), on weekends when I visit.
Mum's clothing is often stained with food particles, as is her wheelchair, despite my asking for it to be cleaned several times.
I wonder if I wasn't present, would she talk to anyone during the whole weekend, other than at mealtimes?
At mealtimes she has stated to me that she sometimes feels pressured to eat. Imagine being fed, and feeling like you have to perform? This may be her impression, and not factual, but it is still not a very nice thought.
Seeing her decline physically and cognitively makes me very sad, but knowing that she is lonely (she has stated this), is heart breaking. I think that the care staff try their best in the circumstances-however, I do wonder if there are enough staff to provide the social, physical, psychological, mental and the other stimulation that Mum would benefit from in her condition, especially on weekends?
I see other care homes both nationally and internationally try new and innovative ideas, like pet therapy, cooking, outings (these have stopped some time ago), etc . I see some evidence of activities like these during the week, but never on weekends-life doesn't stop over the weekend, does it?
Mum was a top professional in her career, extremely articulate, well dressed and sensitive.
I don't really expect much to change from my story-it just feels like I am contributing in some way, to her care by telling it.
"My mum and her care"
About: Braemar Village Braemar Village Willagee 6156
Posted by Anticipative (as ),
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