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In the July 2020 issue of our Newsletter, we shared with you the story of the “Thom Family” in the article, “When is the Right Time to Move to a Care Home?” 

Deciding if and when to move our loved one to a Care Home is probably one of the most dreaded conversations and the most difficult decision family members need to make.

Working for Karen for almost 4 years now, I have heard and read so many heartwarming stories from family caregivers through Karen – their struggles, as well as their moments of small victories and triumphs.

As Karen was sharing the story of the Thom Family for our July 2020 Newsletter, I noticed that she too was getting a bit emotional as she shared her story about accompanying “Mrs. Thom” to her “new home.”

Having been through the dementia journey with the Thom Family as a Dementia Consultant, Karen “found it difficult to hold back tears.” However, knowing her client so well, she knew that the transition to the care home was going to be seamless.

5 Months After Moving to the Care Home – An Update from the “Thom Family”

We are very happy to share with everyone that just recently, the family has gotten in touch with Karen over Christmas. They were happy to share that “Mom was adjusting really well.” They sent Karen some pictures of Mom with a big smile on her face, hugging her caregivers, participating in activities at the Care Home!

At this point of Karen sharing the story, as a former family caregiver myself, I too, could not hold back my own tears. Happy tears. “Mom is okay and adjusting well.” Such wonderful, wonderful news that any family caregiver who has ever cared or cares for a loved one can relate.

Why It was Time to Move Mom to the Care Home

One of the biggest concerns about moving Mom to the Care Home was the fear that Mom would miss her family – her husband and daughter, who are her primary caregivers. They were worried that Mom would feel her family had “abandoned her.”

There was also the anxiety of “will they be able to take care of Mom the way we do?”

I now see that as a Dementia Consultant, Karen always has two clients: the person living with symptoms of dementia; and, the family members, particularly, the primary caregivers.

Having gotten to know her clients all these years, she knew that if they continue with the way things were, pretty soon, the daughter would reach a point of burnout. This in turn, will eventually impact the well being of her Mom… and Dad as she has become the primary caregiver for both.

Karen having known Mom through this journey, knew however, that Mom would not have a hard time with the transition to the Care Home. She would immediately “latch on” to her caregivers. And the caregivers, knowing Mom’s personality, would love her!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

After having lived at the Care Home for over 5 months now, Mom has adjusted really well. Especially with the COVID-19 restrictions, the family is not allowed to see Mom. It brought them much comfort, however, to see that Mom looked like she was “home.”

The picture of Mom hugging her caregivers and calling them by her daughter’s name, brought the family a sense of peace and a sigh of relief that Mom is okay.

The pictures also clearly showed Mom was happy and enjoying herself. With the Mom’s pleasant personality, as Karen had predicted, her caregivers quickly “fell in love with her.”

These were probably the best Christmas photos we’ve ever received this Christmas! 

Karen also checked in to find out how the daughter feels about Mom calling her caregivers by her name. She said that she wasn’t upset about it at all. It just goes to show Mom is adjusting well.

We want to share this story with all of you as a message of hope and courage.

Listen to Karen herself as she narrates the Story of the Thom Family 😊

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We would like to call on families. If you want to share your story so as to help others who might be going through the same situation, send us an email at [email protected]. With your permission and keeping your identities confidential, we would like to feature this in our upcoming audio blog. 

Happy New Year! Stay well and hopeful!

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