Four Good Weeks

I am happy to report that we continue to have good weeks for Jan. Except for the weight loss she has held her own. She has had visitors whom she recognizes and a visit from her special dog, Max, and he was great. He visited with everyone who wanted to pet the dog. One time Jan walked off and Max did not take his eyes off of her and as soon as I started to walking her went right after her and she was around the corner but he found her.
I think there are going to be problems at every place to some degree. They are not going to do it as well as I do. We are attempting to address the problems with the staff and hope we can get improvements in the problem areas. Jan presents a very specific set of problems. She is mobile, where most of the others are not very mobile. Jan cannot talk, most of the others can talk. Jan can't understand most things and cannot follow requests. She can't communicate if she is having problems or in pain. She cannot dress herself, brush her teeth, spit, or turn on the light. She can't find her room, won't sit down when she is being feed and easily distracted by any sound or problem in the dining room and wants to get up often while they are trying to feed her. She can't tell you she doesn't like the food. If she doesn't want to eat you can't make her. She can't participate in the activities, crafts, word games, but she does go into any office door that is open with people inside, so you can see she presents a unique set of problems for anyone. All of which is no excuse for being improperly cared for by the staff.