Happy New Year Bud!
Tiff and I visited Dad on Saturday. He was generally in a bad mood. I videotaped a large portion of the visit, which seemed to go ok. I do not think the videotaping had an effect on his mood, but I'm not sure - it may have contributed. The nurse in charge of the 3-11 PM shift informed me that he didn't think my dad needed the extra care in that psych/behavioral unit. If true, this would be great for a number of reasons. The aides and nurses are not specifically trained for Alzheimer's care. For instance, one of the aides yesterday asked my dad if he remembered who Tiff and I are. "Who are they John?" I think this added to the agitation he was already feeling for the day. And it's just not helpful in any way. Secondly, it would be significantly cheaper. And I/we have no problem and want to pay for the best care possible, but we do not want to be ripped off or pay for something that it isn't.