Mother at Bortz Health Care

After a week in the hospital, it was determined that she was ready to be discharged yesterday (Wed.) to the nursing home. We decided to make the transfer by ambulance for the general ease of everybody involved. The transfer was made in a timely manner, and she was ensconced in her new room by 1:45 p.m.

It should be explained that Bortz Health Care is not the silk stocking nursing home of Traverse City. It is definitely down-at-heel, and could use some redecorating. But it has a good reputation, and many prominent Traverse Citizens have made it their home. It is well staffed with well trained personnel. They all seem to be very friendly, smiling and helpful. Everybody has been very nice to Mother, and I think that is the most important thing - even better than a new paint job!

I was relieved to see that Mother is in a private room with all the amenities. It has a sliding door to the outdoor courtyard, a private bathroom, a closet, nice chair, and a comfortable bed. She seemed glad to be out of the hospital at last and into a homier environment. If you visit, though, don't expect the Taj Mahal !

We spent the afternoon going through stacks of paper with the head nurse - signing the contract and several other things, and then initialing another couple of reams of paper. She is most definitely and certifiably registered!

Today when I visited, I watched her eat lunch - and her appetite seems to have returned - she ate almost everything. So it's evident that she is feeling better. She reported that this morning they took her downstairs to physical therapy, and that it was no fun. They had her doing some strengthening exercises which she tolerated well, but she said that she was very short of breath. While I was there, she was practicing some of her leg exercises - could have knocked me over with a feather.

So the report for today is very optimistic, and I'm confident that while she is still very weak and frail, she is improving by leaps and bounds over last week at this time.

We have no idea how long she will be in the nursing home. It could be for two weeks or two months. We are keeping her room at Concord Place so that she will be able to return to familiar territory.