We moved my Mom who has dementia into a semi-independent living facility 3 weeks ago. When we left the first day she walked out the door and a staff member walked with her until another staff member could get a car and follow them. It was a very cold day so they were able to convince Mom to get into the car. My brother and I went back and eventually got her back into the house and her ensuite. I ended up spending the night also.
My family and I then got Covid, so we were unable to visit, plus the staff wanted time for her to adjust. They are now asking for us to wait for a snowy or rainy day before visiting as they are concerned about her walking out again. My Mom has not showered in the 3 weeks she has been there. She was perfectly capable of doing so at home. We put her into the home due to her wandering and being unable to feed herself anymore as well as loneliness.
Now, she just wants to come home. The staff says she seems healthy, is eating, has not tried to leave and is socializing with the other residents.
My question is, how long do we need to allot for an adjustment period? The not showering seems to be her way of protesting as she responds very firmly to the staff that she will "shower when she gets home" whenever they attempt to get her to shower.
