Q: How will I know when it is time to place my loved one?

A: There is no set time to place your loved one. However we suggest placement based upon the hands-on care provider’s health status and their quality of life. We believe it is important to offer emotional support to the family as well as the client, helping them realize that their health is important as well as their loved one.

Q: Currently my mother spends time at my brother’s house for a week, then she goes to my sister’s house for a week then she comes to my house. My mother seems so confused. Is this the best way to care for her?

A: Every home has a different routine. Those with memory loss require structure and one routine. It takes an individual with memory loss 90-120 days to settle into a new environment. By placing your mother in a structured environment, she will get the care necessary to help her have a quality of life, and will allow your family to continue on with their lives while spending quality time with your mother.

Q: My mother can’t do anything for herself; I do everything for her. Is this the right way to care for her?

A: Those with memory loss are unlearning the puzzles of life. If we do everything for them we do not know what puzzles they are unlearning. Caring for those with memory loss takes patience; it is a 24 hour job. By not allowing your mother do some simple tasks by herself, we are unable to see what puzzles she is unlearning. By doing everything for her, she is not able to exercise her brain and we are creating an invalid.

Q: My wife and I have been married for 60 years. We promised each other years ago we would never put each other in a home. My wife has dementia and I am the sole care provider. I am exhausted and my health is deteriorating, what should I do?

A: Here at Ponté Palmero, we have Independent Living villas located just across the parking area from the Lighthouse. Caring for your needs is just as important to us as caring for your wife’s needs. You are free to have meals with your wife and visit whenever you like. You also have the opportunity to begin to take care of your needs, while sharing in the care of your wife’s needs. Regarding your promise, when you made this promise to each other the choices were only to place those with memory loss into a Convalescent type setting. During the time of your promise the knowledge of how to care for those with memory loss was minimal, and it was felt that they needed a ‘medical’ setting. Over the years we have gained more knowledge on how to properly care for those with memory loss. Assisted Living Communities are not considered ‘medical’ based models. These communities are considered ‘social’ models. However here at Ponté Palmero we care for your loved ones entire needs, both socially and medically.

Q: My Father has dementia and recently he broke his hip and is currently in a Skilled Rehabilitation Facility. Does he have to remain in a Skilled Facility?

A: We know from experience that rehabilitation in a Skilled setting usually lasts a couple of weeks. If your father can stand and pivot into a chair he is welcome to return to the Lighthouse. Here at Ponte’ Palmero the rehabilitation will continue. We have a Physical Therapist who can come to the Lighthouse to continue to work with your father while guiding the staff on his rehabilitation needs.