Wrinkled faces of confusion

With adult children rushing

To the multi-level, multi-room halls

Of strangers performing inconceivable rituals.

Signs hanging of self-congratulatory

Minimum Standard achievements

With pat on the back from

The State of non-tested regulations

Naked, brightly given cold water showers

Hurried flesh of no decision

But pretty in front of breakfast slop

In the grassless neighborhoods of strangers

Conscious guilt of no retreat

Dance with adult children

To the multi-level, multi-room halls

Of strangers performing inconceivable rituals

Owners move to the lobbyist drum

To the Tap, Tap, Tap of torture chamber timing

Drowning the voices of the innocent

Sitting in rolling white plastic chairs

Abandoned places remembering

Simultaneously rotting away

Babies crawled there arms outstretched

Wrinkled they now crawl in their excrement

Words from ironic candy mouths spewing

We provide all comforts of home

The soothing slogans for millions

Feeding their inclinations

Pudgy baby faces in confusion

As adults run in frenzy to the colorful doorways

Of childhood monotony and dull eyes

Screaming at least I have my own life

Children mesmerized by oversized

Multi-level, multi-room halls

Of learning chamber quicksand

Good enough for me old one so now good enough for you

Copywrite 2008 J.A.K.M.

bird bath

lake shack

camping trips

coffee sips

dark eyes

gooseberry pies

lighthouse scenes

navy blue jeans

guitars

falling stars

these are the things that are you

to me

wiser than most

jelly on toast

dreamer at heart

stylish art

family caretaker

silly joke maker

good example for other men

as husband, dad, or friend

always there

will always care

and these are the things that are you

to me

copywrite 6/1995 J.A.K.M.

1. Consider hiring a private companion company or firend of the fmialy who may like a little cash over the holiday break to visit with and check the well-being of your loved one over the holidays especially if you are going to be out of town.
2. If you have family coming in over the holidays, arrange a visit schedule so family members can take turns visiting on different days thus keeping a better eye on the care in case of the possible lack of staff.  Besides, too many visitors in one day can be overwhelming.
3. Take goodies in to the care staff office or facility your loved one receives services from.  Though nurses and aids  hate to admit it, they do remember who had a loved one who showed kindness through food!!! 
4. Ask ahead of time (mid November and again mid December) how the company plans to handle holiday schedules and cancellations.  Ask them for the plan in advance.  When they know you are paying close attention they may work harder to work out the details and get everything in place so there are no lapses in care.
5. Try to visit loved one during the time of day shifts are more likely to be short handed (evenings and nights) to make sure your loved on is is good hands.