Skilled Nursing

I wrote a week ago about how my mom kinda lost her mind. Well, things have indeed gone rapidly for the worse and later today she is being transferred to a nursing home. There's a very nice new Marriott less than a mile away, and my dad and I visited it yesterday. It has 3 stages of care from assisted living to skilled nursing, which is where my mom will be. We found out that a friend of ours moved recently to their assisted living and is quite happy with it. Since the facility is so nice and extremely nearby, we're reasonably content.

I've learned several things from this adventure.

1. Sudden and rapid mental decline is not unusual in PD. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it does happen to many. My mom literally changed overnight.
2. Doctors don't tell you enough. You have to ask the right questions. Don't assume that the doc will tell you everything you need to know -- s/he will generally tell you far less than the bare minimum unless you question very aggressively.
3. Go out and visit some care facilities NOW, in advance of when they'll be needed. A week ago my mom was living at home and there was no evidence that she'd need professional care any time soon -- don't let it surprise you like it did us. Knock on wood, you too could be a mere week away from needing skilled nursing for your PWP.