Thursday, October 1, 2009

Today was moving day to the VA. Pop was bright and chipper this morning and said he was looking forward to his new home. We arrived at the VA at 8:57 and our appointment was at 9:00. We were greeted by a whole team. They assisted us in unloading Pop's belongings. Laundry brought out baskets and took all of his belongings and told us they would make sure that everything was properly labeled. Second maintenance took his TV, radio, razor and photos. A nurses aid took Dad to show him his new room and our social worker met with Barb and I.



After we met with the social worker we were taken to the business office to fill out the paperwork. We then met with a VA rep who told us he would be seeing if Pop qualified for any benefits he is not currently receiving. Next we met with the medical director and we were very impressed with him. The social worker came back and reviewed all the rules, patient rights and general information. Then they took us to see Pop in his new room. It's very nice! He was really happy and went on and on about what a beautiful, nice, and big facility it is. The head nurse for Unit A came and met with us and told us what type of communications we can expect from them. We asked about bathing, and we were told that bathing is not an option. I explained what had happened at the other facility and they couldn't believe it. Before I could even say anything about him changing his clothing daily she said, and every night we go into each resident's room and remove the clothing they wore that day. It takes about 48 hours for it to cycle through the laundry.

When we left Pop was watching TV and anxiously awaiting his first meal at the VA. We have been invited to family Fall Festival day on Saturday at 4:00 and look forward to it.

When I left the VA today I finally felt as though I have found someone that will be taking care of Pop as good as Barb and I have for the past couple of years. It is very sad to realize that this is probably where Pop will spend the remainder of his life. But, I'm also very relieved to know that the VA home treats their residents like royalty. I don't know if all VA's are the same, but the Missouri VA home in Cameron is a top notch facility. Even Pop noticed the difference.