We went to visit the hubs mom last weekend. She is currently in a nursing home due to her not being able to walk and no one to care for her at home. We try to go at least twice a month to visit her. It’s sad to see someone under 60 be in a nursing home. On this particular day though I got all my laughs in because the old folks were trying to escape.
The old folks are trying to escape
We are headed into the door of the nursing home. As we walk in there is a guy in a wheelchair rolling out. We hold the door open because we thought he was trying to go out and get some fresh air as we go to find the nurse desk to locate my hub’s mom we encounter two nurses who were out of breath from running…
Nurse: Have you seen an older gentleman in a wheelchair with a red shirt and black sweatpants
The kids and I look at each other
Me: Ommmm he went out the door in the wheelchair.
She and the other nurse run towards the door. My nosy ass goes and peeps to see if they catch him he is almost down the street
We finally make it to the nurse’s station on the first floor and I ask about the hubs mom….
Nurse: Can you hold one moment *she pages someone* have you seen Gloria
Nurse on the other side of the pager: Gloria? No, I haven’t seen her for 2 hours
Nurse: We can’t seem to locate Gloria can you get such and such to look on the other floors
Nurse to me: Ma’am can you give me one moment we are trying to locate a patient
Me: Take your time……
It’s a lot of frenzy people going in and out she left the desk it was a madhouse finally after about 15 min someone found her she was in the CVS next door trying to buy snacks.
Finally, the nurse gets back to me
Nurse: Again I am so sorry can I help you
Me: Yes I am looking for (I say the hubs mom name)
Nurse: We don’t have anyone here by that name
Me: Did she escape to? (I couldn’t help it)
Nurse: *laughs* It’s been a hectic week we have had a lot of people quit and we are in need of new help
Me: I understand but she is here can you look again
Meanwhile, my daughter peeps down the hall
Zaza: Grandma!
Nurse: Oh you mean (she said a nickname, not the real name)
In my head, I’m like so her real name is not in the system. What kind of operation Y’all running here.
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31 Comments
Candy
September 19, 2018 at 12:27 pmWe did that once at the nursing home. We were trying to be helpful. There are alarms on the doors now. Get in you have to be buzzed in.
Amber Myers
September 19, 2018 at 12:29 pmOh gosh, this would be tough. My Nana Jo is in a nursing home, and there are alarms that will go off if someone tries to leave. I’m always thankful for the caregivers, because I know it’s not easy. Old people can be feisty!
Alli Smith
September 19, 2018 at 12:31 pmI couldn’t stand the thought of my dad going to a nursing home and I will do everything I can as long as I can to keep him in his own home. He would be one of those trying to escape.
Jeanette
September 19, 2018 at 2:02 pmI am very happy that my mom is not in a nursing home. My grandmother was in what they call a Holland home but it was slightly different in a nursing home. Those places can be very depressing or they can be awesome just depending on the staff.
Teresa
September 19, 2018 at 2:42 pmMy grandmother was in a nursing home after she had a stroke and it was so sad. She was so lonely there without her farm and animals and plants. I don’t think I would want that, but sometimes it is the best place for elderly who are sick and unable to care for themselves.
Anosa Malanga
September 19, 2018 at 2:48 pmI can’t think of living in the nursing home when I become old or even thinking of bringing my parents too. It breaks my heart seeing them being there and imagining it makes me feel so sad.
Tasheena
September 19, 2018 at 3:01 pmMy paternal grandmother was in a nursing home most of my life due to health complications. This is one of the requests that my Dad has is to not be placed in a nursing home. He said this pretty much all of my life.
Kita roberts
September 19, 2018 at 3:40 pmMy grandfather tried to escape a few times… Thankfully the nurses were able to track him down before he got too far away.
Ashley
September 19, 2018 at 4:12 pmMy grandmother was in a home like this and I hated it there. She did too. I kept getting yelled at by other patients.
Tomi C
September 19, 2018 at 7:33 pmI wish all skilled nursing facilities had security precautions like sensors that beeped once residents neared the exit doors. I would freak all the way out if my relative was one of the escapees. That’s really scary when you think about it.
Dennis Littley
September 19, 2018 at 7:38 pmIt sounds like that day (and week) was a hectic one for the nursing home. I’m really glad you found who you went to visit!
Pam
September 20, 2018 at 12:30 amPeople always tried to escape from my dad’s nursing home. Luckily they had a lot of precautions to stop that from happening.
Terri Steffes
September 20, 2018 at 1:44 amYou got me with those little statements at the end of your post. I clicked on the clothing one and going to go look. Always looking for that right style.
Sheena Steward
September 20, 2018 at 1:45 amI volunteered at a nursing home and had a great time. We played bingo, have them pedicures and did sang songs. I’m happy that yall go visit her.
Lia World Traveler
September 20, 2018 at 2:51 amGreat post about an important topic. Spending time with loved ones is so important.
Ricci
September 20, 2018 at 5:57 amI agree, I would never want to put my parents or grandparents in a nursing home but I also know my limits and if I could find a good one that I know would take care of them I would probably ship them off…HA! I’m glad your MIL was there even if they didn’t know her real name. LOL!
Jennifer
September 20, 2018 at 1:31 pmMy brother is in a nursing home. It was a very hard decision, especially because he’s so young, but I could not care for him in my home and he can not live alone in his condition. Caring for him would be a 24hr job even with home health aids. It’s not something I ever imagined, but it’s best for him and me.
Angela Ricardo Bethea
September 20, 2018 at 4:20 pmI don’t want to be put in a nursing home when I grow old. I’d love to volunteer at a nursing home to bring smiles to the elderly.
swathi
September 20, 2018 at 6:33 pmI am happy that my dad is staying with my sister not in nursing home. I am worried about my old age though. Not sure what is stored in for me.
Fatima Torres
September 20, 2018 at 7:38 pmWe have a family member in a nursing home and it’s not easy. She’s suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and she thinks she’s at a hospital. It breaks my heart sometimes
Stacie
September 20, 2018 at 9:41 pmOh my, this tickled me. My mother in law was in a nursing home too and she tried all sorts of things smh. God rest her soul.
jeanine
September 20, 2018 at 11:59 pmI dont know how I would deal with family in a nursing home. All my older family passed out before that time but i know it would break my heart.
Mimi Green
September 21, 2018 at 7:06 pmI am cracking up laughing, I know this drama all too well. When I was a teenager I worked as a receptionist at an old folk home. Girl! We had old folks trying to escape all the time. Kind visitors like you hold the door open out of the kindness of your heart and off they go. Ms. Fisher will forever be my favorite one, she knew how to woo people to open the door and walk down the street. lol
Tiffany Heard
September 21, 2018 at 10:27 pmMy mother and I had this conversation. She asked would I put her in a nursing home. Honestly, I’m not sure. I’m not a nurse and I know it would be a difficult job, but my sister is a nurse so hopefully, we wouldn’t ever have to, but you never know unless you a placed in the situation.
Holly
September 22, 2018 at 12:48 pmThat is crazy. There is def a reason why folks quit. Also crazy she didn’t know her real name. Sounds like a new place needs to be found. Maybe closer to where y’all live.
Ola
September 22, 2018 at 8:37 pmWow. They don’t have your MIL’s real name in the system? Not good girl. What if there’s a fire or something. Short staff is just a part of the problem
ShaBree
September 24, 2018 at 9:22 pmLol! I can only imagine the mother stories you have to tell. This was hilarious.
Kasi
September 24, 2018 at 11:40 pmAww, that’s pretty sad they were trying to escape. Nursing homes always make me so sad, I definitely wouldn’t want to put my parents in one either. But I know sometimes people have no other option.
Irnande
September 26, 2018 at 3:58 pmThis is a cute story. Always so good to see generations of women still around and being in each other’s company. And this peak into how the patients try to leave is a good read.
Heather
October 4, 2018 at 1:36 pmWe are facing this situation now. I’d much rather have care in our home for a relative if it’s feasible.
Joyce Brewer
October 8, 2018 at 11:27 amNursing homes are not ideal, yet plenty of people need them. I volunteered at a nursing home in high school where we did light shopping for the seniors. They were so grateful. But it was sad to see so many of them who rarely got visitors.