My mom was in a nursing home for several years - fortunately, she wasn't at all resistant - which made things comparatively easy for my sister, who carried the main load. We put paintings that she had had for years on the walls, and there was room for a tall, narrow display case that had some of her favorite things in it. We also had a bulletin board with recent photos of family pinned to it. Flat screen tv (but the remote proved a real problem - Mom and the staff between them regularly managed to deprogram it so that the tv wouldn't work at all - eventually my brother in law got a very sophisticated remote and had it programmed so that inly the on/off button and the channel up/down could be activated by the holder.) Two chairs from home so visitors could sit, and a little side table for coffee. No rugs.

The best thing to do it make it as familiar as possible as others have said. We went through this and it is hard.

@mikkibookmite

I highly recommend a book for you. I know for fact you won't be able t put it down. A good laugh and a good cry . Just a wonderful and true story. I read it after my mom passed and sorely wished I had read it before : )

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Life-Land-Alzheimers-Daughters/dp/0143113682

Thank you so much for your kind comments and insightful ideas (especially Jan Moyer for the furniture layout)! I am blown away by your advice. Some of you seem to have walked a couple of miles in my shoes and therefore I hope you don't mind if I ask one more question. That is, does anyone have experience in where I can obtain durable and waterproof furniture for Mom who is now sometimes has accidents? I am familiar with slipcovers, but she doesn't like the look ao will take them off when company comes, which defeats the purpose.

Nothing in fabric will be urine proof, other than you REMOVE the covering , use a sunbrella or indoor outdoor fabric, but FIRST have the cushioning encased in heavy duty plastic.

Or select her seating in a very heavy duty FAUX leather, versus a fabric. Something that can be wiped down with liberal soap and water.

I hate to say this, but her wardrobe must include Depends or similar. All day, everyday, all night. There is never enough help to attend to immediate needs other than emergency in even the finest facilities. I have lived it ALL.

She may balk, make it the only underwear in her cache. Make a game of it, get the pretty ones: ) You don't want her sitting around in wet undies.

A hard surface seat at her dining table, or a cushion you have made as above. That's what will be in the dining area of this facility. For the exact same reason.

I spent two years making a morning routine of gym........get to Mom......and then home and to work. Nobody but me could get her into the shower. I wanted her clean, fresh, teeth brushed, hair blown, lipstick on and a nice outfit every day. It's bad enought to be mentally compromised. But care in personal grooming leads to more adoring care in the facility. Trust me......be a PRESENCE. It seems to go on forever, and ever

I wish you your own health in the process, watch out for you too.. But it does end. You'll look in the mirror, and the image will like you back. : )

Look for a chair upholstered in vinyl. Some vinyls are faux leather. A lighter color will make it easier to identify spots that need to be cleaned. Another option would be a wood framed chair (or wicker) where the back and seat cushions are separate. Their covers can be removed for cleaning. Chairs with arms are easier to get out of than chairs without arms.

Here are some "faux leather" chairs at Target:

https://www.target.com/c/accent-chairs-living-room-furniture/faux-leather/-/N-4ynw0Z5xvl7

I agree completely with most of the comments above. Familiar items are important and some "treasures" as well - things that are important to her - little trinkets or small items that she likes to hold or look at.

Someone above mentioned a calendar. There are many programs that allow you to make your own calendar. Use new and old photos and match them to the month if possible. Family birthdays, grandkids, wedding anniversaries, mark the days on the calendar and the pictures for that month correspond to the occasions. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter etc, if you have pictures from family gatherings for those occasions in the past use those in the calendar. It is a lovely reminder for those with memory issues to see smiling faces and familiar places in their photos.

Label everything that goes including the TV remote, shoes, boots etc. Yes, things will definitely "go missing". And some folks have a habit of picking up pretty things and making them their own - everyone has issues in long term care - you'll come to understand that more and more as you get to know some of her neighbours. You can order labels online - some places have sets specifically for patients in long term care. Otherwise they have children's labels (for labelling things at school or going to camp) and you can find plenty of sizes and shapes that work for most things (eyeglasses too if you can - you'll be amazed how they can "travel".)

I also recommend a white noise machine - they aren't expensive - you can find them at Walmart or Target, it can help by producing soothing sounds. You'll find that some residents can be very "restless" at night - crying out etc. It is heartbreaking for sure, but if you can avoid it disturbing your Mom, then that will be good.

A sign for the door telling visitors who lives there. Maybe a nice wreath or picture on the door. Also a sign in guest book is nice. She might have visitors when you aren't there and she may forget to tell you who has been to visit. We found this - people would visit Mom and leave a plant or flowers or maybe some candy or cookies for her - we would ask who had been in to visit and she couldn't remember. This way it is a reminder for your Mom of who has visited and also allows you to write or help your Mom write a Thank you note to someone who has been kind.

Also, become friendly with the staff and get to know them and let them get to know you. You want them to let you know if they notice an issue or a change in your Mom and not feel intimidated to talk openly with you.

This is not easy and it is especially difficult for your Mom who may experience some anxiety in her new residence. Visit often and encourage others to visit as well. Get her involved in the activities, there will be arts and crafts, some light exercise, sometimes some card or board games (my Mom loved to play Wii bowling).

Good luck with all of it. It isn't easy but knowing that she is getting the care she needs will give you comfort.

Oh, I meant to add - check with the residence. Many have a company that comes in regularly to clean upholstered items. I agree that your Mom may not like to wear an adult diaper but it will be more hygienic for her and then schedule regular cleaning of the upholstery as well, just to be sure it stays looking good. There will inevitably be spills of juice or coffee etc.

And if she has a favourite cup or mug - take that with her too. As many familiar things as possible will help her feel comfortable and remind her of home. These places are institutional because they have to be, but you will likely find that they are easily able to accommodate many requests that family have that will help a resident feel comfortable and happier.

My advice to add to the excellent advice above: keep your mother's space as clutter-free as you can. My dad's room is much more restful now that he has only a limited number of keepsakes. He'd developed a habit of cutting little pictures and saying from newspapers and taping them everywhere -- a few were cute, all at the same time where overwhelming -- there was no empty space to rest your eyes.

Also -- my dad will never use the cereal bowls, cups, silverware in his kitchenette -- but that's not the point, the point is having those items makes him think he "could make himself a can of soup if he wanted to." So he feels better about himself.

Finally -- my dad is in the stage where's it's useless to correct his "memory" of things. Go with the flow, and find it interesting how his brain integrates a current experience into a 'memory'.

Every situation will vary. You will figure it out as you go. Your mom is literally losing her "self" as you knew her- it's the tragedy of dementia.

Sundowning.... the late day anxiety , drastic change in demeanor is real. I learned late, that the temperature of water feels different to them, that a simple crack in the sidewalk looms as a cavernous break Saddest is the loss of "love" you sense. Almost as if you are no longer a daughter. ...

Its like tending a child in an adult body but so difficult to reconcile in your own intact mind.

Decorating is the least of it.

Get that book. Please :) ?

Unsolicited from "been there, done that". Heed the advice given to you upon placement. Sometimes it is better that the new (resistant) resident is given a month to adjust without having visitors. Think of a "homesick" child at summer camp, the first few days are such a change and they are miserable...but it doesn't last after they form friendships and start to enjoy the activities. Remember that this new arrangement is a big adjustment for both of you.

I just read a comment the other day about someone saying to remove the cheesy picture frames with words from some living room, but someone else chimed in how useful those things are for folks with dementia. You have a lot of really excellent advice so far. I am just starting the journey with my father-in-law's alzheimer's and I am preparing myself for this next step with him. Wishing you the best of luck in this transition for both you!

And laundry...... There was a thread about the staff laundering and ruining some cloth item. Avoid anything that requires any special care at all.

Tip:

Take her laundry home if you're local, or use THEIRS and do it with her, let her help! Exception may be sheets, but other than those? Nope.

Youll spend time together, her clothes will be saved. :) Trust me on that.

Make two weeks of outfits in her closet . Just like "garranimals". Her undies are depends, have two weeks of socks! You won't believe the dribbles and spills, but you'll have her in nice clean outfits. Make those comfy , simple, easy.

I really feel for you. I’m my mother’s caregiver. She’s 90 and visually impaired. She wants to stay in her one bedroom apartment. (She sold her house and moved 25 years ago). I do everything except cook for her. She can still manage that. When the day comes when she can’t, my sister and brother, my mother and I will have to figure it out. It’s not going to be easy.

Stay strong and take care of yourself too!!

As you can see, this is a bigger group than you ever knew existed. It is heartbreaking and overwhelming and exhausting and frightening. Be prepared to cry and be angry and feel lost. You all need a support group of friends who have gone through this. Remember no one goes through this the same way; the progression is different for each loved one. What you can is listen to the ideas of others and adapt it to your unique situation. What makes it worthwhile is that glimmer of the person you knew shining in a rare unexpected moment, a glimpse into the life you all once had. Keep in mind that the situation changes and sometimes overnight. Be flexible, take care of yourself, and look for laughter every day.

When my mom moved to assisted living, the one thing she was sad about was the lack of storage for her photos (she had literally thousands stuffed everywhere.) We went through all of them together over the course of many weeks and had a great time talking about days past. I saved all the ones she liked, scanned them and bought her a Nixplay frame. She loves it SO much, she gets to relive her good life memories every day.

drlaurah, what a wonderful story!

My mother was in a retirement home for several years before failing health forced a move into the affiliated nursing home. I couldn't be there for her except financially (I live in Australia, she was in Canada) so my sister took on the burden - and while Mom's dementia was by no means the worst (she had short term memory loss but was perfectly capable of recognizing and carrying on coherent, if repetitive, conversations with family and friends) she still required a lot of care. My sister had to keep on top of the staff all the time to make sure meds were given, hearing aids looked after, and health care notes passed from one shift to the next. Sis did all the laundry, including clothing, sheets and towels, because otherwise, it didn't really get done at all. She had to make sure the supply of Depends, skin creme and anything else necessary to Mom's comfort were always available, and also had to keep up with supplying batteries for the hearing aids. The staff, while gentle with Mom, simply didn't have the skills or the time to provide for the kind of care old folks really need. And messages simply didn't get through because those shift notes weren't always read: in her final weeks, Mom needed to be on oxygen, but the message didn't get through to the weekend staff who ignored the machine in her room. It's that sort of thing that puts real stress on the family, believe me. So, for all concerned, keep things as simple as you can.

A lot depends on the facility. The level of care and cleanliness can vary greatly! Yes, things disappear and often never return. The clocks that are lit-up and display the day/month/year/time, etc. are wonderful. A wall calendar is also good so that all visitors can sign the date that they are there. This gives you some good conversation topics with your resident.

Be sure to check with the staff regarding real plants/flowers. These can be things that require extra care/attention from the staff. You might want to stick with " faux".

I fully understand how difficult this is.

I couldn't tell if there was a mini fridge in the room. If not, it's good for keeping fruit, drinks and yogurt in. Best to you and your mom. I also have walked in your shoes. Periodically, it's nice to reward the staff with a tray of cookies from Costco.

Sushi mentioned the ruined tablecloth, that was my post. It was probably a rarity, a suspicion of lice so everything had to be washed, but it did happen. Mom didn’t notice, fortunately. You can search for my post “staff ruined mom’s tablecloth” for the details.

My mom has a bedroom with a wide archway to a sitting room, no kitchenette. She is almost Never in her room during the day, unless she has company. But we wanted it to look like home. She doesn’t have a tv, she doesn’t understand it (she thinks the people are real. We were watching Property Brothers once and she was appalled when demolition started, became quite upset. And anyway, she’s only in there for sleep.)

We used almost all her own things from home: quilted headboard behind the hospital bed, nightstand and small dresser for her bedroom, and for the sitting room an easy chair, power recliner, round occasional table (with the ruined cloth and a glass top on it), and a small console cabinet.

We did get two chairs, kind of like the host and hostess chairs from a dining set. (They were from the resale shop.) They look very much like some furniture she has, and very much like her sister’s dining chairs, so she thinks they are hers. They are easy to move around.

I’m going to bring over a small folding table that we can use when we have a small gathering, that will usually be in the closet, just so people can have a place to set their plate of cookies If they are not next to a table.

I did notice that her bedspread now stays in the closet. I get it. It’s a proper bedspread, so for staff it is a bother to remove at night and replace in the morning. Instead, nice throws appear on her bed. Crocheted (usually donations from community knitters and crocheters, such a nice thing to do!), or fleece throws. So do a washable, usable, bedcover.

I think the only things we purchased were the two side chairs ($50 for both) and a new lampshade for a sturdy brass lamp I had in my house.

A couple of other things from her home — small lamps, a couple of tabletop decorations, and some framed photos, watercolors, her cooking certificates, and an oil painting — complete the room. And her own bathroom items, like vanity bench, wastebaskets, countertop towel stand. Very simple and elegant, her style, her colors. I’ve heard it recommended to make copies of framed items and keep the originals at home, but we haven’t done that.

Finally, ((( hugs ))) My mom’s move to memory care was the best thing. She is more content than she was at home with caregivers, and she is healthier. They’ve even been able to reduce her blood pressure medication. I’m more content because I don’t blanche every time the phone rings, and the phone rarely rings now, and I don’t have to do her grocery shopping, pharmacy runs, or pick up more Depends because a bout of something caused them to run out (or because she disassembled them all).

If there is room to have a queen size mattress I would get one for her. My mom was in Memory care and her doctor had me get rid of her twin size mattress to get her a queen. She was afraid of her falling out of the twin size bed. We had one side up against the wall but her doctor was still afraid she would fall out of bed. My mom liked having music on in her room.

My mom is in Memory Care and my dad is in Assisted Living both in the same facility. Both have different needs as far as setting up dad's apartment and mom's room. Though mom has just a small room we refer to it as her apartment which seems to help her think of it in better terms. It helped by asking the facility what furniture we should consider for her and they suggested the basics which are quite minimal just to keep it simple and less dangerous for her. Even though mom wouldn't remember us asking her we still asked her what she wanted to bring. Though she didn't get everything or near everything she wanted at least we tried to give her the most important items which one of them was a afghan that was on her bed. I found that these "little" things like this have made more of an impact of importance to her than what is the right furniture. I also found that starting with minimal I could add a few pieces or accessories here and there over time as I discovered her real needs. It also helped in not overwhelming her as she got use to her new situation. I also found that rather than overwhelming her with a lot of photos in her room, I just rotate them in and out.

You might want to ask the facility about her having morning coffee at a table in her room. They may not allow it since it is a hot drink. If you can get her into the habit of going into the dining room to have her coffee and breakfast there and to mingle with the others rather than isolating herself in her room right from the start I think it could be beneficial for her to have that routine. My mom perks up when she goes to the dining room and even though she doesn't communicate much, she still laughs at jokes that others are telling or things that they are saying. It's almost like little kids communicating with each other! She never laughs in her room!

I know this is a very stressful time for you but do your best to keep your humor, take care of yourself as that is what your mom would want for you. You are doing what is right for her by making sure she is safe which is what she would do for you as your mom.

My parents were together in an assisted living space almost identical to that Laurel. Two twin beds, a recliner for dad, , Mom's chair from home. The drop leaf table. .........

All of it the result of Dad's failing health, his need for dialysis three times a week and Moms worsening dementia. The four month period prior which began with his bout of pneumonia, and SKIDDED downhill to include rehab in and outs, every type of infection you can contract in a hospital including c dif, and the trips to the other side of town for the dialysis at eight to midnight ( a result of the pneumonia ). My sister and I were trying to do it all, but to say it became totally unmanageable is a gross understatement.

Dad went licking and screaming basically, we LIED to Mom, and told her she was going too, to help him with his recovery. Yes, we LIED. We had to lie.

What happened? Well. Mom, found a friend. (Ruthie, as compromised as Mom ). Yes, a simple thing, but wonderful in that dad never really understood how isolated she was becoming at home. Her friends had begun avoiding her. Surprised? Don't be. It's human nature to not want to confront what could happen to anyone, but for the grace of God. Weirder? She not even once asked about "home". Like a memory forgotten.She never even asked. Dad? .............he regrouped! He looked fantastic, actually became vain with weight loss, new clothes, and the stress of home ownership removed, despite I promised him a full three month trial and only then a sale of their home. A promise I kept.

My sister and I were in and out of that place so often we could have worked there. I thankfully, am self employed, but my sister came close to getting fired, Dad was "high maintenance/picky" to the end, and mom's mind was just not "there".

Keep it simple. Keep it beyond simple.!! Use the walls! Pin up lights at the bed, and dining table LIMIT the "doo das" and table top photos to nearly nothing. Harsh? No. Who do you think is dusting?! No decorative rugs atop the carpet, A bed so easy to make , you can do it blindfolded. Skip the fluff. At least two extra sets of sheets. Plenty of personal care supply.

Seating in the dining is ASSIGNED. This is because familiarity and routine are a necessity, as are checks as to who is missing, The "new girl" issue here (aurrggghh) is no different than a damn high school! Yes, cliques DO form and behaviors revert to ...........: ) Two meal presence required, often all three.

Most important: Be a presence. repeat, repeat, repeat. It is far more important than any photo, throw, doo dad you put in there. BE the presence. ..........for her and for the staff.

And order that darn book. I beg you. : )

Jan I’ve gone through the thread twice. Could I ask you to repeat the name of the book? I think I should check it out too.

Jan if you tell me the name of the book, I'll order it today from Amazon!

Yes, please provide the name of the book. I can't seem to locate it in the thread.

@JAN MOYER, lie? We call them “Fiblets”! Also, I think the name of the book might have disappeared during an edit, or by some Houzz algorithm.

I’m learning more reading this thread. We helped with the care of my mother in law who passed away from Alzheimer’s. She lived with my sister in law till the end, was able to die at home. My husband and are having my mom with dementia move in with us in early spring of next year. What’s the name of the book?

Someone already suggested finding a support group, either organized (check with the Alz. Association) or an informal group. I can't stress how much this can help. And yes, about telling lies.... I needed my support group to help me accept that lying to my Mother was okay, and preferred at times.

And I don't know which book is mentioned, but I can recommend Roz Chast's "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" a memoir about dealing with her aging parents. Not an advice book but sharing the spirit of 'you aren't the only one going thru this'.

https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Talk-about-Something-Pleasant/dp/1632861011

This book was given to me last week by a lady who was an in home care provider for patients with memory issues. It’s called The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace, MA and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH

Also check out videos by Teeka Snow. She is an ”Alzheimer’s whisperer”.

I thought “fiblets“ was something I made up.

Michele, I learned the word from the alzconnected.org caregiver forum! Nice to know something we’d been doing already had an accepted name!

The BOOK is "Dancing with Rose. That was the hardcover title. In Paper back or Kindel, It is finding Life..... daughters life. Just GET it, : ) Either way, its the same book

Thanks for the heads up that the LINK was gone.,,,,,,,interesting "algorithym",.......

https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Rose-Finding-Alzheimer-Daughters-ebook/dp/B000QCTPNK

I ordered Finding Life and should have it on Wednesday.

Two points:

- I belong to a support group and instead of "Fiblet", they use the term "Therapeutic Lie". I like "Fiblet" better!

- At the beginning of my mother''s Alzheimer's journey I borrowed Roz Chast's book from the library. i enjoyed the illustrations, but several times I thought that she should have been a "better daughter" to her aging parents. However, now that I've walked a few miles in her shoes I see that she was a wonderful daughter and appreciate her honesty in describing how she managed during their aging, disabilities, and ultimate death. She was both heroic and human!

Thanks!

Fiblet is an ultimately unimportant tiny little lie told to prevent a mountain being made out of a molehill. I allow myself these. I really try not to lie about anything real.

My mom became the best BS'er up until this last month and even though she couldn't carry or start the conversation she had her way of making you do so without realizing she didn't have a clue what was being talked about. Most anyone that met her for the 1st time was surprised that she had Alzheimer's even though seconds later she wouldn't remember them or the conversation. My sister's and I chuckle about this as we now wonder how much she BS'd before the disease as we never knew her to do this and especially so well!

And then there was the day my high styling mom who always had her make-up on before anyone got up in the morning in her other life was asked if she would like a bib during her meal and she gleefully said "yes" rather than the glare they would have gotten before, My sisters and I figure she saw all the other residents with one on and she wasn't going to let her peers out style her-lol...

This is a horrible disease on so many levels. My mom's 3 siblings and mother had it. I have more friends than not that either they have a spouse or parent that have it or have died with it. And since this disease is different for each individual and your road may be different than the path I'm on, the best thing you can do is educate yourself (so you don't beat yourself up), find a support group especially if you do not have other family members to support/share this, give her lots of love, have an open mind, be flexible, take what humor you can out of the situation and be the best advocate you can for her.

I used the main area for sleeping, chairs and t v. The plan shows a queen size, which you should ask the staff of their opinion. The two chairs/ottomans (in case you want to watch Bold and The Beautiful with mom), could also fit a wheel chair, need be.

The space outside the bathroom would work for morning coffee.

Color seems to be important for the long term memory, particularly red, yellow and orange

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3743993/

https://society6.com/product/flowers-buttercups-orange-red-white-yellow_comforter?c_kid=s6-9363251p57a200v701&sku=s6-9363251p57a200v701&utm_source=GOOGLE&utm_medium=cpc&campaign=%5BNB%5D_1027_US_%5BPLA%5D_DSK_Bed_Bath_Comforters&adgroup=Bed+%26+Bath+-+Comforters+-+NewPT&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP?tracking=search&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4ea_varW5AIVlAOGCh1AzQehEAkYASABEgKBcPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://society6.com/product/flowers-buttercups-orange-red-white-yellow_comforter?c_kid=s6-9363251p57a200v701&sku=s6-9363251p57a200v701&utm_source=GOOGLE&utm_medium=cpc&campaign=%5BNB%5D_1027_US_%5BPLA%5D_DSK_Bed_Bath_Comforters&adgroup=Bed+%26+Bath+-+Comforters+-+NewPT&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP?tracking=search&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4ea_varW5AIVlAOGCh1AzQehEAkYASABEgKBcPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Best to you…a very good daughter.

Wow, that’s a beautiful comforter, I’d love that. But for memory care, it should be washable.

@

She isn't going to be able to easily/fully open the closet doors with a queen bed and two sides. The other factor is sheet size. Falling OUT? It isn't going to happen most likely, unless she falls out now, and almost every "single sleeper" ends up sleeping near an edge and rarely in the middle of a queen.

If in doubt, any hospital supply will have bed rails......or get them online. The staff will thank you as will their cleaning/laundry staff.

Most important?

A small chair in the closet to sit for shoe donning

A non slip mat for the seat in the shower, and one on the shower floor

If at all possible, take her early am to Bed Bath and Beyond, and let her choose her own comforter.) That and the sheets? A lot cheaper in twin, than in queen. Everything is, including the mattress. Also........god forbid you EVER need to spend a night? There's room for a roll away cot. Don't think that can't happen.........

Last thought:

NOTHING taught me more about safety and convenience for the elderly, than my own folks living in one of these units, and redoing a few more in other local facilities. They are surprisingly poorly thought out. Just figure it out as needed. You will. Have faith.

Staff put a cushioned fall mat next to my mother’s bed if she falls out. She has a guard rail but she’s tiny and tends to scoot down the bed past the rail.

Jan, in touring independent and assisted living, even new ones, I was surprised that they used so many lower cabinets instead of drawers.

My mom went from a queen bed at home to a twin in the Memory Care and had no problem doing so. The facility suggest that one side of the bed be against the wall so it doesn't become a "decision" as to what side to get out of. I would not invest in a comforter til you actual see if she needs it. My mom was always cold and I thought she would need one but they keep these facilities so warm that it wasn't necessary and only another thing to deal with. Keep in mind too, that at least in my mom's facility visiting is usually done in one of the several public areas rather than the room as the staff wants to keep them engaged and not become isolated. The staff tries to establish the rooms as a place to nap and sleep and not a place to spend the day or have visitors. Think of it as your mom wouldn't receive visitors in her bedroom at home, right? . Mom's favorite place to "entertain" her guest is in the courtyard. And when I visit her the last place I want to spend my time with her is in her room as if I'm out and about the facility with her, I can see how the staff treats her and how she is reacting to her surroundings.

I want to thank all of you who have contributed. I was there over a decade ago with my wonderful mother in law, and now, looking ahead to my mom, who is exhibiting symptoms.
i know it's not easy sharing these very personal memories. Every time I see a post like this, I start crying. Your posts are loving, and helpful. And, I thank you.

My friend had the same experience with her dad and she contacted a senior caregiver in palm beach. They not only provide care and assistance for elderly folks, but also help out with things like planning and designing accommodation for elderly people with certain mental ailments. Maybe you could give them a call? Hiring a designer would be way too expensive anyway, so you’ll get both for the price of one. Good quality furniture is a must, but don’t go overboard with the price tag, that’s not something that should be a priority for you or your mom, imo. Best of luck.