Transition Period/Send Cards!

The move from Park Terrace to Northeast Center for Special Care went well on Monday. It was a beautiful day for a ride and so I packed up all that had accumulated in Sam's room...and we said goodbye to everyone who had cared for her at Park Terrace. Sam seemed excited for a change and when we got to Northeast Center and into her new room, she was really happy. She did a thumbs up for me about the place and then we slowly began to meet the team that will be working with Sam over the next few months to come. Over the course of about two hours, about twenty different people came in to say hello to us and to begin evaluating Sam. It will be a two week evaluation period before Sam's schedule is finally set and they lay out the short-term and long-term goals with me. It was also nice on Monday to reconnect with Bill and Joan, and their son Joe who is staying at the Center. They brought Sam a wonderful welcoming gift that I've put-up on her wall... a poster that I think Bill Clinton's campaign used, of a working woman with her arm flexed saying something like we can do it...or let's get to work (I'm forgetting the exact saying at the moment). When I left Sam late on Monday night, she seemed quite happy. However, this evening when I called to find out how her day went, I was told that she was crying a lot during the day...this of course upset me a great deal, as I can not easily run out (its a two hour drive) to see her and to comfort her. However I talked with her on the phone and she seemed to be okay. It is certainly a transition period for Sam, as she has only known Park Terrace since she has become "aware". I'm sure she is scared of her new surroundings and all of the new people. Their approach is almost completely opposite of what Park Terrace and most nursing/rehab. facilities offer. I called back again this evening and it seems like Sam calmed down a bit. I spoke at length with the nurse on duty and she explained that Sam has to find her own way around (I myself was confused on Monday at the Center and got lost a number of times just walking around the facility..I can't imagine how Sam is managing). They are all about having the individuals make their own choices, which eventually helps them to become more independent. For example, tonight the nurse was not sure where Sam was...and I said "what are you talking about" and she said well they allow all the patients to wander as they please to the various locations on both floors. Apparently Sam followed the medication nurse around for awhile but has not gone to far astray. The nurse looked around for me and said that she saw Sam in the main room with the big screen TV. Apparently the "Neighbors" (that is what they call all of the patients at NEcare Center) need to maneuver themselves around...what a challenge for Sam, who has not done that at all at Park Terrace and has had everything planned for her and people to push her wheelchair everywhere she needs to go. What a change to have to make up your own mind about things, find your way around and push yourself...no wonder why Sam was crying today! I know deep down that this is a good thing, and that is why I wanted her to be NE Center..they are progressive and have great results, but the transition period must be hell for Sam.

I would ask that anyone reading this blog, to please send Sam a card or some words to make her feel welcome in her new surroundings....I think she is going to need all the extra support right now. The new address for sending cards is:

Attn: Sandra (SAM) Morris, Room # 2-430, NorthEast Center for Special Care, 300 Grant Avenue, Lake Katrine, New York 12449