Monday morning, we picked up the new walker in San Jose in time to head over for Betty’s birthday party with hers and mine stuffed in the car so that I could return hers with thanks. She may never use it again but she needed the hope that our expecting that she would could offer her. Our birthday girl was 92.
We parked on the street in front of the facility. It was a large assisted-living place with a step-up unit for those who could no longer do much for themselves, and Betty had been moved to that side whose front door now faced us.
Richard went for her red one and I reached for mine. Getting the black one out of the car, it was new and stiff and didn’t want to open back up. I had no idea why; I knew they were supposed to be able to lock closed but I hadn’t done that because I didn’t know how yet, and as I puzzled over the thing a moment Richard came around the car and started to try–just as three women coming off their shift with housekeeping badges on their pink uniforms saw us and rushed down the driveway to come help.
They didn’t actually know any more than we did; how could a rollator be hard? But it was just then and we got some good giggles in together while trying. At last the seat support straightened out and we were able to be on our way, having just made impromptu friends.
Every person we met inside was just like that–loving, eager to help, not the least jaded but rather tender and gracious towards each person under their care. I had no idea a nursing home could be like that but it was about as ideal as it could be.
If I ever end up in such a place I want to end up in such a place.
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What a wonderful experience to see how well the staff behaves, knowing this is how well they will treat your friend! The staff where my Dad spent his last 17 months was also a very loving home for him. It’s nice to know there are some like that out there.
Comment by Jody 12.28.16 @ 1:29 pmYour friend Betty and Jody’s father were some of the lucky ones! Not everyone has such a good experience. The home my mother was in was good, but not that good.
Blessings to all of us who may end up in such a place.
Chris S in Canada
Comment by Chris S 12.28.16 @ 8:20 pmLeave a comment
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