As many of you who are reading this know my sweet mother is in a Memory Care unit at Copeland Oaks in Sebring, Ohio. The distance between us is far and right now it seems even farther. The 550 miles that separate us seems like 5550 miles. I have to admit I am feeling a bit anxious about the inability to communicate with her.
I talked to the administrator in charge of her unit earlier last week to find out what the protocols were for visitors and staff and at that point they were limiting visitors to one and making them answer a series of questions as well as have their temperatures taken before allowing them to enter the unit. All staff were required to do the same procedures at the start of each shift. Later that day the facility stated that no more visitors were being allowed in except in extreme cases such as end of life.
Being far away and knowing that my mom can no longer really carry on a conversation on the phone like she once did has me on edge. I sent an email early Monday morning asking if someone could snap a picture of her sometime during the week and text it to me. I just needed to see her and know that she was okay. I know the staff is busy and didn’t want to impose but knew that being the caring staff that they are they would want family to be assured of their loved ones well being.
These three pictures arrived within an hour of me sending that email. My heart was happy and I felt relieved that she looked so good at breakfast. I am so grateful she is where she is, that she has loving staff attending to her and that they really do take care of her. Grateful. Thankful. Hopeful. Not sure when I will be able to actually see her in person now but I will hold on to these pictures and trust God.
Late addition: the following day I received this text with the note that these were my mom’s words as told to the director of the unit who wrote them down for her. My heart is full.
27 Comments
Leave a commentAm so thrilled how caring the staff is in your mama’s unit!!! Sending you all love and hugs! 💜
They really do take good care of her. It makes it a little easier to not be able to be with her. Thanks for stopping by!
It is wonderful that the staff is so caring! Love the picture with the sign, she looks so good and happy. 💕
So hard for you. But wonderful how the staff and facility seems to be diligent in their health practices. The photos of your mom are wonderful! Can you FaceTime with her or not? Stay healthy!
These pictures made it easier and I am ramping up how many letters and cards I send her now. They are taking good care of her and I appreciate that so much. They will FaceTime with us but at this point I think it would be too confusing for her —she does not do well on the phone anymore and her eyesight is pretty poor so we would be confusing blobs but if this goes on for a long time I will definitely be doing that. Confusing blob or not! 🙂
I know how you feel. I am so very far away but many family members visit my mom and report back to me. They often Skype with me when they are there so I can see her. Now no one can visit her which makes me feel sad. I hope she doesn’t feel abandoned. The pictures are wonderful, especially the last one. I agree, our moms are in a good place and being well taken care of. Take care my friend. xo
You totally understand –you are separated by many more miles than I am from my mom. It is not an easy time for anyone but I am praying you and your husband are safe and remain safe and healthy in Spain. Take care, my friend.
I got a lovely email from the care home letting me know that mom is healthy and in good spirits so that made me feel better. Thanks for your good wishes. All is OK for now. xo
What a wonderful facility! I love the picture with the message ❤️ How are you and Chris doing? We are hunkered down at Fripp Island this month. Sure didn’t expect this when we started but there are definitely worse places to sit tight. God’s got this!
Thank you, Jill. These were her words so this was a day when she remembered her kids which is a very good thing. We are doing fine but being very cautious. I am doing a few volunteer things (cat cafe) that I feel are safe to do but honestly we are limiting things a great deal. Fortunately the weather is good right now so we can get outside and take walks, etc. That helps. I forgot you were at Fripp. At least you are someplace beautiful! Enjoy God’s creation and stay safe!
This has got to be the toughest part in all this for you and many others in similar situations. Sending you lots of virtual hugs!!!
For once in our lives, my mom is home for a few weeks and so are we and yet we still can’t see each other. It’s crazy and weird.
Take care and stay healthy!
You stay healthy as well! And your mom! It is impossible to imagine that we are at this point but it is best to be aware of the risks that are out there that may affect others not as healthy. Time to be a little selfish!
That was nice the staff responded so quickly to your request.
They really have eased my mind a great deal. We are so fortunate my mom picked this place to live out her life so many years ago!
awwwwww, how beautiful of the caregivers!!!!!!!
It made my day as you can imagine!
Beth Ann, I know this is hard on you & your Mom right now. How blessed you all are to have her in a good place. I love how thoughtful and kind they are. The pictures are so pretty of your Mom. It certainly looks like she is doing OK.
Thanks, Shirley–they are taking good care of her and I so appreciate it since none of us can visit her now. These pictures made my heart so happy.
Your Mother is lovely ! We are sending purrayers to her and all her mates.
Thanks so much!!!
This post brought tears to my eyes this morning. She looks wonderful. Thank you to those taking such good care of her during this quarentine time. Glad they are keeping the residents as healthy and loved as possible.
Thanks, Jeni. I am so happy she is there.
Wonderful that they will take the time to do this. I imagine all families would like this reassurance, so maybe you started something. She looks happy.
She usually is fairly happy these days and thankfully not clued into the news anymore which is a blessing!
It sounds like your Mom is at an amazing care center. So glad you can hold onto these pictures at this time.
What a comfort for you to know your Mom is being so well-cared for. That last photo is priceless!
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