HHS Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI)

Something called the HHS Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI) is making a significant difference in the care of our elderly parents. One interesting point they mentioned is that "...As part of the quality initiatives, ...seven states [will] participate in comprehensive background check programs for new workers in long-term care facilities, as another way to combat abuse and neglect in these facilities."

Christmas 2004

Mom didn't go out to Betty's for Christmas this year. Between the cold weather, and her sleeping during the day, Betty went in to see her while Chris and I were at his parents.

Betty later sent me pictures she took of her visit with Mom...

ME: Mom's eyes sure look more and more odd, don't they? Her eye doctor claims they are doing well as far as glacoma goes, and Mom doesn't complain on being able to see TV or read, so I guess they're OK, but one seems to be 'wandering', and that makes me wonder...

BETTY: I thought Mom looked terrible and she was really weak. I had to even help her open the presents.

ME: I thought even from the photos that she looked weak...and she wasn't very clear on the phone, didn't seem to follow me.

Not sure what this all means, but looking over the past 3 years, I see a definite pattern of Mom slowly leaving us...