It is especially hard when you are almost 90 years old.
At least she doesn't have to pack or make unimportant decisions.
It's going to take a while to get used to her new surroundings.
I so wish that living with family was an option,
but it is not.
So, assisted living is the best option right now.
Mema is moving into Wood Ridge Assisted Living Community
into a studio apartment.
She has two huge windows off the living area that look out onto the woods
and a yard area with flower gardens.
Gonna try to put a bird feeder out for her!
She is on the second floor.
She has her own kitchenette with microwave and mini fridge,
sink, and cupboards.
Off to find a coffe pot too, as she LOVES her coffee!
And now she can drink as much of it as she wants!
She has her own bathroom, two big closets,
living area for sofa, chairs,
dining table and chairs, and tv if she wants it.
She will take her bed, large dresser and mirror, desk,
end tables, lamps etc.
I got her a telephone that has large places for pictures
on the numbered buttons.
This will be a one touch programmable phone so she doesn't have to worry
about remembering numbers.
I'll use family pics that were sent a few years ago.
Wood Ridge prepares three meals a day, with at least two choices of entree.
They have a large activity room, lovely deck with bbq grill,
nice walking area outside, finches in the entry hall, a laundry area,
where Mema can do her own laundry (no quarters required)
or they will do it for her.
They will also clean her apt as much as she wants them to.
When we visited today, they were just coming back from a trip to Walmart.
They go to the grocery store, Big Lots, and even have a trip to the casino planned.
Every morning is an exercise class after breakfast,
and many activities through out the day.
For the first few weeks, there is a buddy assigned to her.
This buddy will knock on her door and take her to meals and activities
until she gets used to the routine.
I'm sure in no time, that she herself will be a buddy!
I'll stay the first few days with her at night to make sure she gets acclimated.
Kinda looking forward to a slumber party with my Grandma!
She can have visitors anytime, even to eat with her
(I'm going to take her up on this one buddy!)
The only thing they ask is that you sign her out if you leave the building for lunch,
margaritas, family dinner etc.
If she misses a meal, they go on the hunt for her to make sure she is ok.
They have a 24 hour nursing staff on hand and also give her her meds.
Please pray that she adjusts well and quickly.
I think the girls are taking it harder than anyone, as they just see old people,
however, it is like moving in to a college dorm with your peers.
As we were leaving the tour before she actually moves in,
(Mema had had a long day at school and I could tell that she was tired)
she asked us to tell the administrator to remember that she is shy and quiet.
Then she laughed really hard!
She is going to be just fine!
I know we will be too, once we see her happy and active in her own place.
