First week - tough times

This is about 1/3rd of the area - it is all completed now!!

A week ago, I decided to challenge myself to do 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups every morning. I’ve been sticking to the push-ups like glue, but on day 6, my stomach muscles decided to throw a tantrum, so I took a break from sit-ups. The soreness wasn’t just from the push-ups; I’ve also been busy lifting rocks outside, cleaning like a maniac, laying new weed fabric, adding stepping stones, and replacing rocks. It’s a whirlwind of activity—and a fantastic workout!

Shelley returned from visiting her dad in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Wednesday, but by 6:00 PM, he had completely forgotten she was there. On Thursday, the care facility called and said his needs were way more than they could handle, so they needed to move him. He fell, and they can’t lift him without the fire department’s help. They don’t have a Hoyer Lift, which would make lifting him easier for just one nurse.

He’s currently at Legacy Arbors, moving there with the idea of getting constant care and planning to stay until he passes away. He’s paying over $10,000 a month for this service. But guess what? I found out that if they can’t meet his needs—mainly helping him get up—they can force a transfer. Additionally, Shelley must pay $25 an hour, around the clock, for a personal assistant until he relocates. It appears that as service costs increase, they tend to push for a move and justify it in any way possible, based on my observations. Even though they can’t directly remove him (Shelley’s paying an extra $600 a day, or $18,000 a month, until he leaves), they’ll find an available bed somewhere else, which will prompt his departure. These open beds are often available because they’re usually not the best options.

Shelley left today to work as a caregiver for 14 hours a day until his move. This change will reduce the daily cost of full-time care to $250, saving her $350 per day.

I’ve noticed that the senior care industry can sometimes be driven by profit or a lack of genuine concern. From my experience with my mother, she was in a fancy facility where we were paying $6,000 a month for not much help, and she wasn’t happy. After doing some digging, we found a different place where she’s content, offering similar services in a bigger space for $1,900 less each month. Sadly, it seems that many companies driven by profit can take advantage of seniors, just as daycares, where greed can overshadow genuine care. It’s a really tough reality to face.

Greed outweighs genuine care. It's a heartbreaking reality.

Until next time, carry on my friends, carry on!