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My Body and Mind Declared Fragile. What now?

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Jun 12 10:05am | Replies (30)

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@suesea

Hello and good morning. I hope you slept well. When I moved, I took only what I needed. I left the rest with family. I like the simplicity of what I have and keeping my apartment simple helps me remember what I have and stay organized. Clutter causes me stress, so it helps with my dementia to stay clean and organized. There are people here though who have brought big hutches and fancy furniture and knickknacks from their homes. That adds to their apartments feeling more like a home. I'm in a power wheelchair, and so the less I have the easier it is for me to navigate. It is hard letting go, but just think about what you can't do without and try to take what will make you happiest. The apartments do tend to be small. You may want to get the layout and just plan that way.
I don't like saying this, but they do have problems with theft. So, plan ahead and be prepared for that. Here, they suggest rental insurance in case your stuff goes missing. It feels like everyone has a key to your apartment - even cafeteria staff. Some of the staff, unfortunately, may not be as honest as others. They also recommend not keeping a lot of cash in your apartment for the same reason. I take my money with me everywhere I go.

Initially, the shock of so many people coming in to check on your welfare, help you with cleaning, take out the trash, etc... is overwhelming. At least it was for me. One of the aides recommended I put a note on my door requesting people knock and wait for me to answer before entering (unless there's an emergency, of course). I also asked them not to disturb me between 7pm and 9am. It seems to be working. Initially, people were coming in at all hours and waking me at very early hours. I don't sleep that well anymore, so if I finally fall asleep at 3am and someone bursts in yelling, "Good morning, Susan!" It kind of got on my nerves - a lot. It's settled down a bit. You should be aware of your rights in an assisted living facility in whatever state you are in. Get the ombudsman's number who can tell you your rights and know the laws in your state. An ombudsman will also investigate abuse and neglect. Just try to be aware that you still have rights in these facilities because sometimes it feels like the staff forget that.
Well, have a wonderful Sunday. ☺️

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Replies to "Hello and good morning. I hope you slept well. When I moved, I took only what..."

@suesea oh my gosh! That sounds annoying. I go bonkers in the hospital because there are so many people in and out of the room.
A hotel drives me crazy too. The people who let their door slam…the noise jars my nerves. Then the housekeeping staff…ugh!
I’m very sensitive to noise. Of course, I’m a people pleaser so I grin and bear it.

Today was great, I went to church, and spent time working on a watercolor I started yesterday.
The weather has gotten hot already so we desert dwellers stay in all summer. It was 106° today. The forecast for next Sunday is, 110°. That’s normal. By the end of the month it will be higher. June of 1990 we had a day it got up to 122°. I’m near Phoenix, Arizona.

I had 3 rabbits playing in the yard this afternoon. They were just having a great old time. Yesterday there were 3 Love Birds pecking at the grass. They are so beautiful. I really enjoy watching all the critters. Unfortunately the coyotes like them too 🙁

I don’t recall if I mention this, but my sleep disorder is getting better because I started playing “green” noise quietly while I sleep. It is helping me wake up more refreshed.
I can only type with a stylus now because arthritis prevents me from bending all my knuckles. So, I get worn out even though I have more to say.

Susan, you are a generous person. Thank you for sharing your situation with us.
🌻🪻