Always Caught in the Middle

This may be a two-parter – we’ll see.
Once again, there’s a storm brewing at my mother’s nursing facility – ok maybe a tropical depression? A few showers? Whatever, it has me on edge. Just some background notes about the pecking order at the place. It’s a very large institution, and it’s considered to be the best in our area. There’s the main building, which once housed a very beautiful restaurant/hotel. The original owner had a gondola sent from Venice and it sat in the stream next to the hotel. The boat is gone, but the stream remains, carrying swans around its twisting path. That building contains the independent-living apartments, which are beautiful and quite expensive. The dining room is the former restaurant, and it’s absolutely grand.

Attached to that building is the Assisted Living section – a newer facility, but with charming details. There are several different apartment plans available. Then comes the healthcare unit, where my mother lives. It’s somewhat like a hospital, with just a room and bath for the residents who require skilled nursing care 24/7. There’s a large, newly renovated activity room with windows along one whole wall. At the opposite end is a new dining room with all new equipment. In the center sits the Florida Room, a lovely sitting area which leads on one side to the gardens, and on the other to the patio. Most of the residents in this area have no idea where they are, but it’s beautiful anyway.

Next, one must understand the hierarchy of such facilities. The grand poobahs, or executives, are rarely seen, except when the state inspectors are there. Then there’s a sudden burst of showmanship to impress these officials. To be honest, I don’t even know who these people are! The ones with whom I have contact also have a certain pecking order. The doctor in charge of my mother’s unit is a wonderful, caring woman, who readily answers any questions I have. The nurses, too, are all kind and considerate, and they treat the residents in a gentle, loving manner. Then the CNAs, or nurses’ aides, are abundant. The large majority is thoughtful and compassionate, but the others act in a rough, uncaring, and slipshod manner. Those few I try to avoid, and if they are assigned to my mother, I keep a close watch. The PT/OT staff always smile and greet you.

Then you have the companions, a group hired by the families to stay with their loved ones and keep them company. The hospice workers aren’t as evident, but are still there. The maintenance guys are always around as are the cleaning people, and they’ll laugh and joke with you. Sometimes, the kitchen workers make an appearance, and the social workers and admission staff are there all the time. That brings us to the Activity staff, about whom this storm is brewing.

To be continued….