My wife has been at Mount Carmel Personal Care since mid December, 2012. The first assisted living facility she was in could not provide all the assistance she needed as her Alzheimer's progressed. We found another facility, who after one week told us that didn't have any program for her and ask us to find another home for her. We feel very lucky to have found Mount Carmel. They have exceeded our expectations and she is more content than she has been in several years. I have visited her every day except 5 and the staff is very efficient at taking care of the patients' needs. One of the major results of Alzheimer's is the loss of ability to go to the bathroom without help or in places other than the bathroom. They routinely carry them to the bathroom but an occasional an accident occurs. The staff carries them for a cleanup and sprays the area with air freshener so the facility always has a fresh scent.
No one knows what is normal for in an Alzheimer patient mind, but expected behavior is not followed and unusual activities are the results. Some are habitual undressers, some walk continually, some talk all the time and so many other activities. The problems all of these activities are handled well by the staff and management. Special clothing to prevent undressing was purchased for one resident, doors are locked on rooms to prevent uninvited entry and a safe walking space is available. My wife has had a few things go missing and she may have picked up other people's things. The mind of a lot of Alzheimer patients does not understand ownership so anything they see is available for their use. We were instructed not to bring any valuables when we move into Mount Carmel because of this problem.
My wife has made friends with a lot of people with her condition. They each talk about two different things but they both get the joke and laugh. She likes to roam, usually with one or two other residents. They stop and talk to other residents that can't walk and seem to enjoy all of the residents. They all gather in the dining rooms for meals. Many have different at mealtime needs and in my wife's case; she has forgotten how to use eating utensils so must be assisted with eating. The meals well balanced and prepare well.
I met and talked at length with family members of several other residents and none have expressed any dissatisfaction with the care of their loved ones. My experience with the care of Alzheimer patients is limited to my wife at home until her needs exceeded what I could provide. She is more content in this setting than she has been in several years so I would recommend this facility to anyone. read more
