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My father who has Parkinson's with dementia has been in one for 3 months and I have mixed feelings about it. He needs complete assistance with all daily tasks and lots of supervision - to use his walker or wheel chair, to transfer and to use the toilet. He has to be watched all the time because he wants to get up and walk by himself, but isn't steady enough to do so safely. There are about 5 or 6 caregivers that cover the shifts and two are wonderful, two are so-so and there are two I am not impressed with. He complains about the food and from what I see, they seem to serve a lot of pasta and not much meat, fresh fruit. The house is very clean and tidy, but I am concerned he is getting very little mental stimulation except to sit in front of a large TV all day. They don't have any activities except for one man who comes in weekly and sings with a karaoke machine - which is something. I'd like to see him out on their deck when the weather is good. I'd like to stoll around the neighborhood with him, but it is on a busy road with a lot of hills, so it is very difficult. My husband and I try to take him out for dinner or come to our home at least once per week. I visit every other day and the home is close to where I live and work. I am trying to decide it I should move him. He was in a nursing home for 6 weeks doing a rehab, but I didn't feel like he got enough help there, although they did have more activities and mental stimulation. Anyone have experiences that might help me decide what to do?

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That's wonderful, communication is everything. Also if they know your pro active with his care, they'll appreciate that.I take the staff donuts all the time or cookies and say it's from all the residents.
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An update: some family members got together and requested a meeting with the owner of the homes and her assistant director. We discussed some of our concerns and we have seen amazing changes now. Apparently a woman did come to the home and ddi activities with the residents in the past and she is back 7 days per week to play games, puzzles, etc. with them for 2-3 hours between the 7 residents. My father likes to participate and I think it has helping his mental abilities quite a bit. Also one staff member is going to be moved to one of their other homes - not at my request, but I am happy about it :) It has been helpful to make some connections with the other family members too and share our thoughts and experiences. I feel like we are all looking out for each other's loved one when we are not there too.
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My sister has been in group homes since 1980, so I have seen a bunch of them. I would say he is in one of the best ones you could find. About the only other thing you could add is a day program if one is available to meet his needs. Bring that up at a case review or talk to his caseworker. And bless you for seeing him so often. Many residents see their family once or twice a year.
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