Debbie's slow cognitive decline continues to be noticeable to us but not to her. Because she isn't aware of it she is calmer and less anxious.
The holidays are over, and routine has returned to Edgewater and the memory care area called Beacon Springs. The last eight weeks have been fraught with challenges for the residents and staff.
First, Beacon Springs is now full, as several new residents moved in. It is a time of adjustment for the new arrivals, their families, and the current residents. Something as simple as changing the seating arrangements at meals and the added activity in the common area can be stressful for some residents.
Second, there were many visitors, some travelling from a distance to see their loved ones. A few of the residents were taken out to dinners, family gatherings, and church services. What follows is often confusion and anxiety for the residents. Perhaps it is just the change of routine, a glimpse of their past life, or just getting tired that causes it.
Third, the regular weekday staff, of course, want to spend time with their family during the holidays. So, during the holidays many more days become a “weekend”, i.e., a day without the usual daily events and surrounded by more familiar faces.
We struggled as a family to get the right balance for Debbie between us visiting but not disrupting her new life. We have settled into a routine where I visit every day around 3:30 pm and then leave when she is served dinner and after I cut her food. That gives me time to make sure she is clean and if not help her change. Then we walk or watch TV together. It is a comfortable routine for both Debbie and me. Debbie gets one or two visits each week from family or friends, often having lunch or dinner at the Edgewater Bistro. We have never taken Debbie off the Edgewater campus, and she has never requested to leave. It is a happy place for her and I am grateful for that.
It felt calm when I walked into Beacon Springs a few days ago. That was confirmed by Rebecca before she left for the day, but it is always a better day when Rebecca is there. Her positive energy and love for the residents is evident to all.
When it was time for dinner the process of getting the residents to the table and served their meal was done by Lilian, Lyric, and Sara. They did a superb job of getting all to the dinner tables. It was a great display of teamwork. What may seem like a simple thing like that can be very challenging as each resident has a unique and changing functioning level. Some days are a test of patience for the staff. I am always in awe of their patience.
A moment of pure joy happened when Tam was seated next to Mary Mae. Tam rarely shows emotion, usually wearing a blank stare as she walks through the halls. Mary Mae sleeps a lot and seldom interacts with others. Lilian sat next to these two women and somehow engaged them to where Tam had the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. It was a smile of pure joy. Mary Mae noticed it too as then copied the smile as well. I pointed it to Debbie and she too joined in. It reminded me that despite the cognitive impairments that they have there is always joy to be found!