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I'm visiting Mom and pleased to see her doing much better (the assertiveness - and the listserv - is really paying off, prozac increased, started & gradually increasing pergolide w/ sinemet reduced), less depressed, much more coherent, tho' still some short-term memory problems, learning how to propel & maneuver wheel chair, walking with minimal assistance, gaining weight. However, I'm still not sure she's going to be able to avoid the nursing home verdict. I visited 3 NH's near where I live in last couple of days - not as bad as my worst nightmares, except someone at the last one said they lose approx. 25 out of 280 patients each month (i.e. 100% turnover in less than year.) He added, not all of them from dying, but the implication was most. That certainly jolted me into a new phase of facing Mom's mortality. Does anyone have any idea if this is a normal statistic? If not, what is? Has anyone heard Parkinsons' stage IV/V longevity/mortatlity statistics? If so, it certainly makes this decision a whole lot harder. Starting to involve her more in this decision-making process as dr. said her motivation might help her condition. She's made it clear that a) she's a little too willing to rely on aides for all transfers, dressing, bathing, b) she's not interested in a nursing home, c) she doesn't want to move, & d) she wants to live. Places I've seen have short-term rehab and long-term care w/access to rehab if dr. prescribes. I wish we didn't have to make choice in advance. I finally (Friday) managed to ask her Spaulding Case Mgr. to try to get Dr. to arrange a "consult" with one of the Mass General specialists in this area. Hope this actually happens hope I can keep my assertiveness up. Maybe this route will also yield someone she can see after she leaves Spaulding. I am beginning to try not to sugarcoat conversations w/Mom (didn't mention NH statistic to Mom) and siblings, realizing that in this case, stark reality may be the best motivator. emily ([log in to unmask]) for Mom 76/3 months