News of Jeanie

[Virginia]

I called Jeanie this afternoon. She was her usual cheerful self. Still has roommate that has dementia, but otherwise nothing much has changed. The food is still pretty good. She talks to both Andy and Jim every night. I am glad they are sticking by her. They come at least once a week each and occasionally more often. Carla is also available if she is needed.

She was really sorry she couldn't hear Joan when she called. She says she has found the volume button on her phone and maybe could now. She asked about all of you and I tell her that everyone seems alright with the exception of Sunshine. I told her Sunshine has not been on in weeks and that we are very worried about her.

Jeanie, says that this is the 28th month she has been in there. She says it is a lot of days. I agree with her, especially when bed ridden and unable to get out of her room very much.

She says to say hello to every one here and she asked me to give the direct number to her room to anyone on here who wants it. You can PM me and I will give it to you.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Virginia)))))) ~

Thank you for calling Jeanie and updating us. I am sure that she was happy and relieved to hear from you. Did you fill her in on your illness and recovery?

I am so happy that Andy and Jim call her every night and see her weekly. Their contact must be reassuring and comforting to her.

Wow, it is difficult to fathom that she has been there 28 months. That seems to be about as long as the pandemic has existed. I'm so grateful that she hasn't caught COVID, or her sons, since they aren't vaccinated. That has worried me all of this time, and now especially since the omicron variant is spreading so easily.

I appreciate you staying in contact with Jeanie and keeping us connected with her. You are a wonderful friend!

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!


THANKS!

[agate]

Yes, thank you so much for calling her, Virginia! My voice never was very loud but these days it's been worse, and I'm so sorry she was having trouble hearing me on the phone.

Concern about Sunshine does continue. I sent her a PM a few days ago but no reply yet. I have no contact information for her. I hope she is aware that we are here for her.

[Virginia]

I talked to Jeanie this afternoon and she is doing good. She sounds really good and cheerful. She had a nice Birthday with Andy and Jim who also brought Lacy. Lacy continues to remember her. She says Lacy's hair is now healthy and she seems happy. She has fit in with Jim's family quite well. He and his wife have two dogs and two cats of their own.

She was just delighted to get Rose's card and Agate's card and letter filling her in on everything. She is still reading a lot of books.

Her brother sent her $50.00 for her Birthday. She says Jim has told him over and over that she couldn't have money there, but her brother continues to send it. LOL

She seems peaceful and relaxed.

[agate]

I'm so glad you called her, Virginia. I'm glad she's having visitors, especially Lacy.

She can't have money there, you say. Is it because someone might steal it? I should think she could conceal it somewhere and find a few ways to spend it there on the premises. Nursing homes I've visited have had beauty salons and machines where a person could buy snacks. But cash did tend to disappear,

I'm happy to know she got the card. I've sent mail to people in nursing homes but it somehow went astray and the person didn't receive what I'd sent.

[Virginia]

Agate, I am not sure why Jeanie says she can't have money. She gets her hair done every 4 to 5 weeks and has to pay for that. She could have been eluding to the fact that since she is on Medicaid she is only allowed to spend $135.00 per month. That goes to Jim and he makes sure she gets what she wants. Years ago when my Grandmother was in the nursing home she only got $25.00 per month. It came to me and I gave her what she wanted or bought things for her. Of course I would have regardless of what she was allowed by Medicaid.

She really loves that there are people on this board who still think of her and keep up with her. My hands do not allow me to write letters so I call, but I do think she enjoys getting mail. I am so glad we have people on here who care. It could be anyone of us in that position.

[agate]

I've been on Medicaid for years and it does seem to work that way. You can be given things--goods, services--by friends or family or anyone else--and that's OK so long as it's not "recurring" or substantial.

I suspect it's the likelihood of cash being stolen that was the reason why she said she can't have money. I once was visiting a neighbor who was in a nursing home, and she asked me to bring her the $80 that she knew she had in cash in her apartment. She told me how to get it, and I found it and took it to her. Of course she had roommates, and staff people were always buzzing in and out. She put the $80 in her bra but the next thing I knew, it had disappeared. My guess is that someone on the staff took it. They weren't paid much and the personnel there seemed to turn over too rapidly.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Virginia ~

Thank you so much for calling Jeanie and connecting us with her. How wonderful that she is cheerful and peaceful. May it continue to be so.

I'm so glad that she received my card. I have been remiss in communicating with her, so I will step up my game in that regard.

Theft prevention seems a likely reason for not allowing patients to have cash on hand. Some patients may not have enough cognition to handle money or even remember that they have money. So, the responsibility for paying the bills for hair styling, etc., goes to the Power of Attorney, or the Executor or Second Trustee, who is overseeing the patient's care.

It might even be a law or regulation for institutional care facilities.

Generally speaking, long term out of home care requires the patient to relinquish control over finances, and often decisions about care, even when they are cognitively able to do so.

We all know what happened when ANN advocated for her mom to receive in home care. First option: Nursing facility.

It is important for all of us to be aware of the possibilities awaiting us, and to be prepared with clear instructions to those, who will help us then, as to what we want and do not want.

Here's to Jeanie, who is strong, determined, courageous, and amazing! Happy Birthday, Jeanie!

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

[agate]

I was really pleasantly surprised when today's mail brought a letter from Jeanie! She mentions that she has been there for 30 months now. She also says she has a button to make callers louder and that she looks forward to calls.

It was so nice to hear from her!

[Virginia]

Agate, she almost gleefully told me she had answered your letter. I think it really gave her such a lift to hear from you and Rose. I didn't want to tell you she had sent you a letter until you mentioned it. She wrote that sitting up in her bed. I can't even write sitting at my desk. She is amazing.

Rose, I also need to step up my game and call more often.

She said Jim bought her and the lady in the room with her a hamburger and a frosty. I think this was on her Birthday. I also forgot to tell you that she ordered a pizza in. She said this was one way to spend some of the money so she will not have over her limit. So I guess Jim either leaves some for her at the front desk or maybe she keeps a little.

When I was in rehab I had money, debit card, and credit card. My pocketbook set on the tray that you eat on. I was often away having therapy or walking with a walker in the halls. Nothing happened. I might have just been lucky. I kind of remember thinking about it once or twice when I was out, but not much.

[Ikoiko]

I do think of Jeanie often, also. I thought she was doing a lot better than I am, because she would drive long distances, have her hair done, and just get out and about. I am so distressed that she went down hill so fast.

[Virginia]

Ikoiko, it was having a fall and breaking her leg and being in a really bad rehab, then going back home and she broke the same leg again. At least she is in a pretty good place now, no nursing home is great, but where she is is clean and she gets to choose her meals from a menu. Her sons see her often and that is what keeps her upbeat.

[agate]

That letter from Jeanie was beautifully written. She said to tell everyone Hello.

So "Hello!" to everyone from Jeanie.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Virginia ~

I would add to your description of Jeanie's situation that she didn't get the proper care for her broken leg, while in the rehab facility, which I believe resulted in her decline and ability to live independently again. If she had had proper home care, she might have recovered and still be in her home.

Think about ANN's mom, who is much older than Jeanie. With proper home care, she is able to be in her home.

You are fortunate that your purse wasn't stolen in the hospital. Our hospital's rooms always have a cabinet or drawers to place personal items. That way, they are out of sight and not easy to steal.

agate ~

Thank you for sharing Jeanie's "Hello" to us.

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

[Virginia]

Rose, that's just it. Mine had a little chest by my bed and a cabinet to hang my clothes, but I would forget to put my purse and cellphone in there.