An Adult Active Community

Went to visit Sterling Court today in St George. It is an assisted living center in St George, Utah that is top of the line. It reminds me of the place my grandma is in in Massachucets. Got the tour and lunch, again, as we did this prior to signing their six month lease five months ago. It is up to Mom and Pops if they go for it but it is by far the best option if financially it works. Pops decline now dictates needing a wheelchair for them to get out if there is any long distance mobility. Their main problems now are socialization, meals, shopping and reliability if someone falls.

Socialization: As hard as it is for my Mom she needs this. It will allow her to leave Lone Star alone and go out to events, church outings, Sunday church, etc... Her big liability with these things at this time is "leaving him alone." This would be remedied with a move to assisted living. I know she doesn't like the fact that she would be the youngest person living there by a year- but when you look at physical function as a gauge- there are plenty younger.

Meals: My parents rely on dining out or meals provided by grocery trips by family for most meals. They also go to Coral Desert on Wednesdays for lunch. Of note, KA makes and pays for a lot of meals weekly and delivers them to them. It is not a big deal but it does put a burden on her to produce meals that satisfy their needs. As I have told them: If you move into assisted living we can continue to supplement your refrigerator and also go with you to Chuck A Rama as needed. It just makes the basic meals a no brainer.

Shopping: Neither of my parents can effectively shop for household items. Food, paper goods, leisure items, etc. all need to be picked up or have someone go with them to get.


Reliability: The most important aspect of moving into an assisted living. Pops is falling, a lot, and he needs reassurance that if they pull the string someone will be there in a couple of minutes. As we have told Mom and Pops: it will most likely only get worse, not better, so we need to plan accordingly. When, or if it comes time for hospice, they still will only come in for an hour at a time and won't be on your beckon call to run over if you fall. That is Pops biggest issue at this time- and he is falling frequently because of his weak left leg. I wish a Medic Alert bracelet or a home health agency would remedy the problem- but not with his advanced physical decline.


We see Dr Jones tomorrow at 2:15. We will get a prescription for a Jazzy power W/C that will get the ball rolling on procurement. Pops is exhausted after roughly 50 feet of ambulation with a 4 wheeled walker. He needs independence for longer mobility: to get mail, etc.. The whole ordeal is hard is that my parents are not that old. My Mom would be the youngest resident at Sterling Court as stated earlier, which she was not excited about, but then she would be doing this for Pops, and he needs it. Emphasis on that it is a monthly facility and she could move out if/ when things change functionally. I still am looking for answers via the doctors that will improve Pops quality of life. But we also need to look at the big picture and what are the options that will accomodate safe, functional living as we look down the line. For me, it is a realization that life advances and to be appreciative of health and life so that you can enjoy it no matter what your age. Live Strong....