[EeyoreButterfly]

I agree Notme. I was the Worthy Advisor (President) of my local International Service Organization for Young Women (formerly Rainbow Girls). When I had my term, I did not take the girls to the nursing homes to do door decs and tray favors because of the things I had witnessed in the past. We were always told to just go into the rooms because many wouldn't be able to hear us knock. I still remember going into one room that had an old man on a bed with no sheets, in just an adult diaper and a shirt, smelling like urine with blood running down his leg. I was 14 at the time. We had girls as young as 8 in our organization, and I knew I never wanted them to walk into a situation like that.

Are there any homes run by religious orders in your area, in my experience they tend to be at least a little better. I have a friend who is a Carmelite nun and her order runs a nursing home. I got to visit it in January as part of a nun run, and I was very impressed with the care. They devote their lives to this, and they are always being reminded that these people are somebody's husband/wife/mother/father/sister/brother. They care for the residents as if they were their own family members. Perhaps a home like that would be an option for you if there is one.

[Puppypants]

Nancy, it is so sad that our elderly are treated so poorly. If these things happen with family around, can you imagine what happens to the poor souls that don't have anyone to watch over them?

I am so sorry you have so much going on with your mom - I definitely feel your pain. You are a good daughter to take care of her like you are. I think as soon as my dad has a couple of more days of the physical therapy, we will get him home. My brother is actually taking vacation next week to be with him at the home during the day, and my sister and I will do the evening hours. This way, my brother will take of lunch, and we will do dinner, and the only meal we will have to worry about is braekfast.

What a battle this seems to be, and so unnecessary! I can't wait to talk with the dietician here to hear her response to our requests - could be interesting!!!

[notme]

I understand how important therapy is for your Dad and you really are caught in a tough place. From what I understand, Medicare will pay for some therapy at home. My parents have a secondary insurance so hopefully they will pick up some of the therapy that my Mom needs. Does your Pop have and secondary insurance? Military insurance? I sure hope he does and he can come home as soon as he knows what to do as far as rehabilitation. I also feel your pain.

Your Dad has diabetes that just adds to your issues. He is lucky to have you and your brother as his advocate. I wish all elderly had children that were willing to care for their parents. We have missed the boat on this one.

My Mom is 80. I know she won't live forever. I just want her to be home and happy when she goes and not in a nursing home where nobody loves her like we do.

Your Dad is a lucky man. Let us know what the dietitian says.

[maui]

If they don't realize what they are doing, you need to bring it their attention fast. This is poison for diabetes. Peas, white bread, cookie...most 1 st year nursing students know this. I would run, not walk.