A Visit to the Nursing Home
@BelleStarr (61102)
United States
August 14, 2015 7:24pm CST
I went to see my mother this afternoon at the nursing home. She has been there for three years. She just turned 100 years old on the 4th of July.
When I arrived she was sitting in the room where the residents watch TV. She was closest to the TV, probably because she is one of the smallest women. I went around in front of her and she said, Isabelle. That is my name of course and it made me so happy. It has been a while since she called me by name.
I pushed her wheel chair into the dining room and visited with her for about 45 minutes. I usually bring her some cheese puff which she loves and today was no exception.
It was a very pleasant visit and she gave me a kiss when I left. I always know that she recognizes me when she gives me a kiss. Seeing her there breaks my heart but there really isn't any alternative.
11 people like this
8 responses
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
15 Aug 15
100?! Amazing! I hope she has many more good days! It's hard when a lobbed one becomes a shell of what they once were.
My grandmother is 94 n (thankfully) still living at home, alone. But had a woman come on to help hr the days a week.
She isn't as sharp as she use to be, and sometimes she repeats herself every 2 minutes, doesn't know who people are, forgets what she just did, etc. One time, she asked for a denture cleaning tablet for her teeth, n when I brought her one, she tried to eat it! 
Other days, she knows every one, never repeats herself, and is Granma again. I live visits when she is aware, but visits when she is having a bad day is heart breaking.
Her mother lived too be 104, and at 94, she was visiting the old folks as she called them, at the nursing home! Lol
Other days, she knows every one, never repeats herself, and is Granma again. I live visits when she is aware, but visits when she is having a bad day is heart breaking.
Her mother lived too be 104, and at 94, she was visiting the old folks as she called them, at the nursing home! Lol2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
15 Aug 15
My mom was great until about 96 and then she started to develop mild dementia. She still is physically strong and looks great for 100.
1 person likes this
@DanieGirl80587 (2713)
• United States
15 Aug 15
That is so sweet of you to still visit her and it's amazing that she has made it to 100! 
Why has it been a while since she has called you by your name if you don't mind me asking?
Why has it been a while since she has called you by your name if you don't mind me asking?1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
15 Aug 15
She is not always as sharp as she could be I think she recognizes me but she doesn't remember my name. That is why I get so happy when she actually says it, it makes me want to cry. I miss my mom so much, she is not always like herself but more of a shadow of her former self.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
15 Aug 15
@DanieGirl80587 Yes she is amazingly healthy just sometimes a little confused. I actually it is a God send because she really doesn't know where she is.
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
15 Aug 15
Happy belated Birthday to her. 100 is quite a milestone. I am glad that she recognized you today. I watched my granny suffer through dementia and Alzheimers for over 10 years. When she got so frail that she could not get out of bed we had to put her in a nursing home. It hurt so much to see her just lying there void of any recognition and barely awake. Prayers for your mom.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
15 Aug 15
Thank you we all gathered to share her birthday with her and she had two pieces of cake, she does love her sweets. lol
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
15 Aug 15
I'm glad your mother recognized you today. It must be really hard on the days when she doesn't. Sometimes we have no choice but to let our loved ones stay in places that can care for them better than we can. I am glad neither of my parents got to that stage, though we did hire 24-hour care for my mom during her last three months. She was under hospice care and wanted to stay at home. I hope my end will be as peaceful as hers was.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
15 Aug 15
Wee had hired help for a while but without selling her house I ran out of money. Now the nursing home got everything and at least she is safe and seem quite contented. It is hard when she doesn't know me. I had hoped to never have her live long enough to go through this but God and mom had other plans..
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37355)
• Toccoa, Georgia
15 Aug 15
That is sad she has to be in a nursing home but luckily she doesn't have dementia and not recognize you.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
27 Nov 15
There are days when she doesn't really respond to me, those break my heart.
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
16 Aug 15
She is still beautiful at 100 years old, it is amazing to me and thanks for the wishes.
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
15 Aug 15
I am so glad for you that she recognized you. I know it must be heartbreaking to have to leave her there, but I also know that sometimes it is the best solution. She must have the care, and families often are not able to give patients the care they mean.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
15 Aug 15
I know that with my head and I did try to care for her but it was more than I could handle. My heart is another matter. I will always feel guilty about it.
1 person likes this
@kevin1877uk (36988)
•
15 Aug 15
Wow thats a wonderful age, I know it's not easy seeing her there, sorry to hear that.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
15 Aug 15
Thank you and on the good days it is wonderful to still have her with us.
