A Lady who inspirres me

Recently I had an enlightening experience. After years of living with my grandmother, Barbara Pisano, we all (my family as well as her herself) decided that she was in need of living in a skilled nursing facility. In late July, grandma arrived at Riverview Healthcare Community Center in Coventry.
Loving my grandmother as much as I do, I had a very hard time dealing with this decision. I felt as if I was letting her down as her grandson. Another reason I had some hesitation about this, is that working as a journalist for close to 10 years I have heard of, and reported on many nursing home horror stories. Fortunately my fears were unfounded.
Coming to grips with the fact that home is not always the best place for a loved one getting on in years is never easy, but sometimes ends up being the best alternative for everyone involved, especially the senior. Before my grandmother moved to Riverview, she had little if any interaction with people her own age. Now, when I visit her I have to send a search party to locate her. From weekly bingo games, to bowling and visiting her many new friends, she is doing more in a day than she did in a month at home.
As for her mood and state of mind, it’s like night and day. When she was living at home she tended to be lackadaisical and withdrawn. Now when I go into her room she is enthusiastic and always wants to tell me stories or take me to meet her newest friend.
Honestly, I never thought this transition would go so well for any or us, however the opposite turned out to be true. Now not only is my grandmother receiving the type of care that she needs and rightly deserves, but my family and I no longer have to worry about leaving her for long durations of time. Knowing that she is safe and enjoying herself has put all of our minds at ease. The staff at Riverview is a group of wonderful and caring individuals. They are so caring that my grandmother no longer refers to them as her nurses, but now as her friends.
It is always difficult to have to make lifestyle changes. We often figure it would be better to keep our loved ones home as long as possible no matter how draining this may be. However, with facilities like Riverview, families such as mine can leave the nursing to professionals and enjoy quality visits daily. I know my grandmother and I are closer than every, so thank you Riverview for bringing back the grandmother I have k known and loved for so long!.