Dad moves to the Alzheimer floor

Planning ahead for the unexpected

A few weeks ago they moved my Father in law from the 6th floor to the 3rd floor, at first we thought it was just for a few days but soon found out that it was now permanent.  Today I went to pick Dad up to bring him out for a family dinner at our home.  I hadn't been to the third floor yet, which is the Alzheimer floor.  He was moved to this floor because he needed more care, since the Alzheimers is getting worse.  My husband had told me a little about this floor but you really don't understand until you see it for yourself. 

I arrive and it looks pretty much the same as the 6th floor just a different paint colour on the walls, but then you get to the main desk and there is a flurry of activity.  I scan the area and quickly pick Dad out amongest the crowd sitting in the television room.  He is ready to go, coat on waiting for me.  I had called ahead so that they knew not to get him set up for dinner.  Since I am a new face to these residents on this floor some start questioning who I am and where I am going.  I smile and continue to walk towards Dad. 

I take Dad's hand and proceed to lead him out of the room.  As I leave I am questioned by residents and even poked.  I feel a little uneasy, and the noise in the hallway of all the chattering is also unnerving.  This floor is alot louder than the one before and there seems to be more people walking around, and more staff also.  I felt like I was in an emergency ward on a very busy day, except all the people were not sick physically, but mentally.  I start thinking in my head how is Dad handling all this chaos.  I look at him and he doesn't seem to be bothered by it, he takes my hand and we continue down towards the elevator.

As I am driving I am doing my best to keep my emotions in check.  I have a house full of family and I don't want to upset Dad, my husband or anyone else with my thoughts.  Which were, I wish I had a ton of money and could remove Dad from that floor, and bring him home and pay someone to help care for him.  I didn't feel this way before when I would pick Dad up, I guess mainly because the floor he was on before was not so chaotic.  Since we don't see or have to deal with Dads condition 24/7 like the nurses and staff that care for him I have to trust that he belongs on this new floor due to his condition and his change in behaviour. But it still makes you wonder, and the guilt sets in.   

Dad questions me as to where I am taking him and I tell him where we are going and who is going to be there and what we will be doing.  He seems content with my answers and when we get to the house he quickly settles in and enjoys the company.  He's not very talkative these days which is normal of the disease.  Everyone is chatting and having a good time, just like we always do when family is around.  My mind eases, and I don't bring up my thoughts for it isn't the time or place.  Instead I decide to share my thoughts and experience with you my readers as my family experiences "living through change".  I find this a great medium to express myself and share real life experiences. 

As I watch Dad, I can't help but think what he is thinking, and wonder what the future holds for even myself as I age.  He seems content, happy and healthy, so even though I got just 10 minutes of his world at the home and felt uneasy doesn't mean that he feels the same.  But it does tell me that I do need to keep doing what I am doing and share my stories of living through change with others and let people know that they can have options for care if you plan ahead for the unexpected.