Mom settles into Cumberland Lodge today

A tough day for all of us - Mom was transfered by ambulance today from St. Joseph's to her new home - the Cumberland Lodge.  Mom had a sleepless night last night - anxiousness, and therefore was pretty out of it for the entire trip. Once in her new bed, she slept all day.  Dad and I followed her to the lodge with some of her clothes which had to be labeled with her name, along with her beautiful new quilt made by Gil Alford, and a few pics of her family.

While Mom slept, Dad and I met with two of the nursing staff and went through a fairly extensive in-take process/orientation; reviewing history, meds, preferences etc.  There was some confusion about the Meds which we'll need to get sorted out over the next few days.  Great people - everyone we interacted with was super friendly, interested in Mom's story and in her well-being.  The lodge has a Team Lead who is an RN, RN's, and LPN's as well as support staff - kitchen, admin etc. There are 3 resident Dr's, so Mom will be cared for by a new Dr - Can't recall her name, but we'll most likely meet her next week.  There is also a physiotherapist and occupational therapist who will work with Mom to rehabilitate her to a new norm.  The next week or so will be about settling in, assessment and  the development of a care plan for Mom.

At lunchtime, Dad and I ventured into the little town of Cumberland. We had a great lunch at a place that was recommended to us called Mar's on Main.  We met Mar (short for Marilyn), who opened up the place about a year ago. Great menu and excellent food!  And that's what we needed - some good food and a bit of breathing space.  As we waited for lunch, we talked about how stressful and emotional the morning had been for both of us.  We know it's the best move for Mom and we are amazed at how fast she got into a facility- grateful for this and at the same time, very sad knowing this is Mom's new forever home.

We're not sure what Mom is comprehending.  Does she know where she is? Dad stayed with her all day where as I left around 2 pm to tend to Bella and do a few things, one being pick Les up from the Shuttle - YEAH! Les is here!  I then took Les up to see Mom around 4:30 pm -  dinner arrived at 5 pm and I managed to nudge Mom awake with Les' help. We repositioned her in bed and fed her dinner, which, she gobbled down - including dessert.  Hungry she was, having gone all day without any food.

We left shortly after as she very quickly fell back to sleep.  I said good bye and I love you, which she responded to. I said I had to go home for dinner and would see her soon.  Mom then asked me if I could take her with me -- AHHHH GOD - my heart is breaking.