I love you, who are you?

I'm reading the book "I love you. Who are you?" It is about caring for people with Alzheimer's. I noticed the multiple references to having a good care facility. While many cared for the patient in their home, the book keeps referring to finding good workers. Some said they transferred care facilities multiple times. Another said he became a "drill instructor" in asking for care for his loved one. I'm reluctant to become the drill instructor myself - as it seems like there needs to be one family member to report to - not many. However, I'm hoping someone is being an advocate for Grandma. Why does she have to get up at 6:30? Why is lunch at 11? Why is there no call button by her chair?

I talked to Jessica (the manager) at Legacy House (435-232-3781). She said that a person needs to be a "one person assist" to qualify for Legacy House. I have seen a single person move Alda - so I'm thinking that qualifies. Jessica said she has Alda on her "wait list", but has no openings now. She does have openings in the memory unit.

I told Jessica that I had been told when Alda no longer qualifies for rehab, we will only be given three days notice. Jessica said they should give you several weeks notice - as it doesn't come as a complete shock. I told her I wasn't getting any info from the nurse. She told me to talk to the social worker (Leanne Loscher 435-752-0411) who could tell me what is happening with rehab. She also said to tell Leanne that after rehab we are considering moving Alda to Legacy House. Then Leanne will set up the evaluation with Legacy House to make sure they can take her.

After two attempts to reach Leanne, I decided to just send an email. My mother-in-law, Alda Allan, is currently in the rehab unit. I need to understand her situation better. In particular,

(1) How is the rehab going? Is there a way of getting regular updates? Is she making progress? Is she in danger of termination?

(2) How can we get a call button that is reachable from her chair?

(3) Is she being awakened at 6:30 a.m.? Why is that? Is another schedule possible?

I talked to Leanne. This is what I learned. Laura Opperman is her social worker. Alda is in danger of losing Rehab status (paid for by Medicare). She has good days and bad. Occupational Therapy is the main concern. They are looking for daily improvement. Bob is evidently meeting with the social worker on Monday to talk about her status. They will only give us three days notice before pulling her off Medicare payment. She will be able to stay where she is, but we will just be paying at that point. She is considered a two person assist for safety. Sometimes she is just a one-person assist. Sometimes it requires two (depending on whether or not she is helpful). Meals are early (7:30-8:30 for breakfast, 11:30-12:30 for lunch). She can skip breakfast (and get cold cereal), but times are set.

I'm feeling the need for communication between family members...