Just got back from the Transition Care home

[minkydog]

And I was very impressed. The home is quiet, calm, and beautiful. The staff was warm and welcoming, as were the children. From the road it looks like any other house. Inside, it has all the trappings of home--fireplace, big dining table, laundry rooms, bedrooms, play room. Except for the wheelchairs, hoyer lifts, and feeding pumps, it looks like any other home. Out back they have swings, picnic tables, a pool, butterfly bushes with resident butterflies , a sand box and a small garden. They even have a small "campout" spot, where they roast weenies and marshmellows. Everything was clean and all the kids smelled good. No urine or poo-poo smells (and all the kids are diaper dependent.) I just fell in love with the place.And Christian was very occupied checking out all the beds and bathrooms, and of course, the kitchen Tomorrow I will call the director and get a weekend respite set up for later this month. She also said she could give me a week in September so I can go visit my sister.


If you're interested in seeing it, click on this link. It's a virtual tour of the Dream House for Kids in Lilburn, GA. Lilburn is on the other side of Atlanta from us but it would be totally worth the drive and the traffic to take Christian to such a nice, homey place.

http://www.dreamhouseforkids.org/fileadmin/files/images/LTCH.Virtual.Tour.pdf

 

[ENSOCK]

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

It's great that you found such a nice place! I know this whole thing is an ordeal for you--how wonderful to know that Christian will be safe and well-cared-for while you get a much-needed break. It's also fabulous to know that there are quality places for people with special needs--I know you're looking at a permanent placement. That can't be easy to contemplate.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

That sounds like a lovely place! I'm glad you were able to find it and that Christian seemed to be comfortable enough.

 

[ugadog99]

That's wonderful, minkydog. I hope you are able to get some rest soon.

 

[rie'smom]

And I was very impressed. The home is quiet, calm, and beautiful. The staff was warm and welcoming, as were the children. From the road it looks like any other house. Inside, it has all the trappings of home--fireplace, big dining table, laundry rooms, bedrooms, play room. Except for the wheelchairs, hoyer lifts, and feeding pumps, it looks like any other home. Out back they have swings, picnic tables, a pool, butterfly bushes with resident butterflies , a sand box and a small garden. They even have a small "campout" spot, where they roast weenies and marshmellows. Everything was clean and all the kids smelled good. No urine or poo-poo smells (and all the kids are diaper dependent.) I just fell in love with the place.And Christian was very occupied checking out all the beds and bathrooms, and of course, the kitchen Tomorrow I will call the director and get a weekend respite set up for later this month. She also said she could give me a week in September so I can go visit my sister.


If you're interested in seeing it, click on this link. It's a virtual tour of the Dream House for Kids in Lilburn, GA. Lilburn is on the other side of Atlanta from us but it would be totally worth the drive and the traffic to take Christian to such a nice, homey place.

http://www.dreamhouseforkids.org/fileadmin/files/images/LTCH.Virtual.Tour.pdf

What an amazing facility! I'm so happy that you have access to such a wonderful home for Christian.

 

[tinytreasures]

that place is amazing

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Wow, that sounds wonderful!

 

[DebD4T]

So happy to hear that you found such a wonderful place where Christian can live and you can have peace of mind.

I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.

 

[minkydog]

It's not a permanent situation, but they provide respite services and will provide a transitioning experience for those children who can't go back to their homes for whatever reasons. We're still waiting to hear from DHR as to whether or not Christian will be awarded funding for a permanent group home. It costs about $80,000/year so you can see why we have to have it--who could ever afford to pay for that?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

What a lovely facility. Praying for peace for you and your family.

 

[minniecarousel]

THUMBS UP!!

looks great

 

[NHdisneylover]

Minky--that looks like a lovely place for Christian to spend some time while you get some much needed rest.

 

[kirbydog48]

That sounds really wonderful and it will be great for Christian too!

 

[charming23]

The place looks amazing and it seems as though Christian will get great care there so you can get some much needed rest.

 

[johnsontrio]

Minky~ I have been following your story for a while now and know that at times you are struggling with your decision. My MIL has moderate to late stages of Alzheimer's Disease and at times seems not to be doing well in her current living arrangements. My DH and I have been talking with the helpful folks at A Place for Mom and they discussed with us the option of a small group home. Up until that time we had seen all the larger facilities around town and did not even realize that these small group homes existed for this population.

Just recently we visited one of the ones in our immediate area. We were so impressed by the level of care delivered there and the personal hygiene and appearance of each resident. Each person was fully dressed, out of their bedrooms, in the activity rooms and engaging with the two staff members she had there for 5 residents. The home itself was spotlessly clean. The owner spoke so fondly and lovingly of former residents and had picture albums of past residents and the many outings that they have experienced. She also spoke of the need to allow and provide for the residents to have whatever kind of spiritual experiences and activity that they are able to participate in.

In short, we left that day knowing that some wonderful people in this world are called to provide loving, compassionate and emotionally connected care for those that can't care for themselves. Looking at the pdf brought tears to my eyes because it is very clear to see that the owners of this facility are providing so much more than basic custodial care for these children. I hope Christian adapts well to it and you can get some much deserved and needed respite. You're a great Mom.

 

[minkydog]

Minky~ I have been following your story for a while now and know that at times you are struggling with your decision. My MIL has moderate to late stages of Alzheimer's Disease and at times seems not to be doing well in her current living arrangements. My DH and I have been talking with the helpful folks at A Place for Mom and they discussed with us the option of a small group home. Up until that time we had seen all the larger facilities around town and did not even realize that these small group homes existed for this population.

Just recently we visited one of the ones in our immediate area. We were so impressed by the level of care delivered there and the personal hygiene and appearance of each resident. Each person was fully dressed, out of their bedrooms, in the activity rooms and engaging with the two staff members she had there for 5 residents. The home itself was spotlessly clean. The owner spoke so fondly and lovingly of former residents and had picture albums of past residents and the many outings that they have experienced. She also spoke of the need to allow and provide for the residents to have whatever kind of spiritual experiences and activity that they are able to participate in.

In short, we left that day knowing that some wonderful people in this world are called to provide loving, compassionate and emotionally connected care for those that can't care for themselves. Looking at the pdf brought tears to my eyes because it is very clear to see that the owners of this facility are providing so much more than basic custodial care for these children. I hope Christian adapts well to it and you can get some much deserved and needed respite. You're a great Mom.

Thank you. The Dream House really is so wonderful, it gives me hope for our future. I hope you can find just the right place for your MIL. I know these places are out there. Sometimes its just a matter of knocking down the right doors.

 

[kacaju]

((Hugs)) it looks great

 

[bballmom56]

It looks wonderful! You so need a weekend respite and what a great opportunity for Christian to experience another living arrangement for a short time. I hope it goes well for the sake of all of you!

 

[LJC1861]

What a fantastic place you have found...for both Christian and your family. It is beautiful and state of the art.

I hope you are able to utilize it to its fullest and get the respite that you so deserve. It ill also be a good experience for Christian to experience spending some time apart from you as he transitions to a more permanent placement.

Linda