My mom has PPMS, and has lived in her current home for 10 years now...she is only 56 years old.

At first, it was very hard for her because she had to adjust to the schedule, staff, and new surroundings, but in the end, she felt safer. She has her own room, which is not large, but it fits her bed, entertainment unit, dresser, mini refrigerator, and a bedside table. She also has a small closet, and a sink.

The home she is in is probably one of the better ones. If I ever have to move into a home, I would choose hers if given the option. Walls are painted cheerily in the commons areas...and when my mom's room was repainted this spring, she was allowed to choose the colours.

The home has a small patio area for barbeques in the summer, and there are areas in the home for residents who have small, friendly pets (cats and dogs). There is a beautiful chapel, and in the large hallways of the home, there are nooks and crannies with murals, park benches, and fire places to relax beside. There is also a large bird atrium in the main hallway.

Her home also has lots of activities available to residents. Once a month they have optional catered meals from favourite restaurants, and there are special guests and musical talents frequently performing in the main common area.

My mom has joined a horticulture group there - with help, she is able to prepare plants in the late winter which she tends (with assistance) in a box garden outside in the spring and summer.

My mom is not artistically inclined, but if she were, she could join the art group, where they paint together. Paintings are framed and displayed throughout the complex. There is also an in-house radio station for residents who want to host their own radio show for the home.

In the end, it is a nursing home...but a nice one. It took time, and some grieving in the beginning, but now my mom is thriving there quite nicely.

I hope that your nightmares end, and that no matter what comes, know that you are still you...no matter where you live.

Jayne