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March 18, 2020

Journey Through Dementia – The Coronavirus Lock Down

27 Comments/ 110/ 0

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.

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27 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. Kathy Weiland
    March 18, 2020 at 07:01 am

    Am so thrilled how caring the staff is in your mama’s unit!!! Sending you all love and hugs! 💜

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 07:46 am

      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!

      Reply
  2. Kathy
    March 18, 2020 at 07:35 am

    It is wonderful that the staff is so caring! Love the picture with the sign, she looks so good and happy. 💕

    Reply
  3. jena c. henry
    March 18, 2020 at 07:52 am

    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!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 08:00 am

      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! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Darlene
    March 18, 2020 at 07:59 am

    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

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 08:14 am

      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.

      Reply
      1. Darlene
        March 19, 2020 at 08:29 am

        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

        Reply
  5. Jill Jeffrey
    March 18, 2020 at 08:02 am

    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!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 08:16 am

      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!

      Reply
  6. susi_snaps
    March 18, 2020 at 10:16 am

    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!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      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!

      Reply
  7. Karen
    March 18, 2020 at 11:15 am

    That was nice the staff responded so quickly to your request.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      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!

      Reply
  8. Kimberley
    March 18, 2020 at 11:28 am

    awwwwww, how beautiful of the caregivers!!!!!!!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 12:23 pm

      It made my day as you can imagine!

      Reply
  9. Shirley Matthews Dunn
    March 18, 2020 at 11:41 am

    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.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 12:24 pm

      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.

      Reply
  10. catladymac
    March 18, 2020 at 06:34 pm

    Your Mother is lovely ! We are sending purrayers to her and all her mates.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 06:36 pm

      Thanks so much!!!

      Reply
  11. Jeni
    March 18, 2020 at 07:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 18, 2020 at 07:16 pm

      Thanks, Jeni. I am so happy she is there.

      Reply
  12. dawnkinster
    March 20, 2020 at 01:29 pm

    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.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 20, 2020 at 01:30 pm

      She usually is fairly happy these days and thankfully not clued into the news anymore which is a blessing!

      Reply
  13. Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids
    March 20, 2020 at 05:37 pm

    It sounds like your Mom is at an amazing care center. So glad you can hold onto these pictures at this time.

    Reply
  14. Mama's Empty Nest
    March 24, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    What a comfort for you to know your Mom is being so well-cared for. That last photo is priceless!

    Reply
  15. Laurah Francoeur
    August 03, 2022 at 10:57 am

    My husband was diagnosed 3 years ago with dementia after he began to lose things. He would accuse someone of stealing, even in the night. He was on medication but his symptoms progressed to anger and short fuse over little things. This was a man who was soft spoken, slow to anger and gentle. It was such a change for us to try to manage a whole new way of living. He is 67, I’m 66 and I felt so stressed sometimes. I didn’t know what each day will start with. I retired in April that year and was with him 24/7. I have been researching for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across Health herbs clinic Dementia HERBAL FORMULA (just google it). It is a smashing one of a kind product for reversing Dementia completely.4 months into treatment he has improved dramatically. the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, particularly the hallucination, weakness, and his mood swings. visit their website healthherbsclinic .com I Just wanted to share for people suffering from this horrible disease

    Reply

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