We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

Claire’s Story

Site created on March 20, 2020

Thanks for visiting our caring bridge website to show some love for Claire and to get updates about how she's doing. The situation that we face due to the spread of covid-19 has unexpectedly placed our family in a difficult position. Currently Mom's nursing home is on lock-down, like every other nursing home in the country. Visitors are not allowed, with few exceptions. That includes Dad, who until a week ago, had not missed a single day visiting Mom in the two and a half years since she entered Ovation. He is in close contact with the nursing staff on Mom's floor.

It's important to understand that Mom has been in the advanced stages of dementia for quite some time. Over the last several months it has gotten harder to convince her to eat at mealtimes and she's lost weight. She has been sleeping more and her alert moments have become fewer. In late January, Mom's doctor advised us that we should start counting the months we have left with her, rather than the years. Understandably, this has been heavy news for us to process, but not unexpected. It is part of the progress of dementia, as the disease slowly takes over more of her mind and body.

At this time all Ovation residents are confined to their rooms in order to prevent unnecessary germ spread, so all of Mom's meals are brought to her room and she pretty much stays in her bed. She sleeps and is at peace, and we are confident that she is getting good care at Ovation.

But the situation has forced us to confront a difficult reality - when will we be able to see Mom again? Our fear that she may pass away before visitors are allowed back into the nursing home is real. Ovation allows for exceptions to their visitor ban, but they are designed for end of life situations, when it is clear that the patient is very close to death. We don't know how long this pandemic will last, or if it will leave and come back. We have begun to look into our options for bringing Mom home with nursing and hospice care, and will keep you posted as we learn more. We are still trying to figure out what will be the best arrangement for Mom, Dad, and our families in this fluid time of crisis.

We would appreciate your prayers and positive energy as we move forward in these difficult times. We hope that all of you, our dear family and friends, are staying safe, healthy and strong. We'll continue to post updates here periodically. Thank you for all your love and support!

Love Love Love,
Anne

Newest Update

Journal entry by Anne Wiberg — Mar 26, 2020

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Claire passed away last night. We received a call from the nursing home at around 2:30am this morning that she had left us. We are comforted knowing that she went quickly and did not seem to suffer long, she never had to receive comfort medication. We are incredibly grateful for the love and support so many people are sharing with our family today, and for all of you who accompanied Claire, and us, along the way.

Claire’s life was love, all those who know her can attest. The world is a more beautiful place because of her.

Because of covid-19 restrictions, we will not be having a visitation or funeral. Her body will be cremated and we will have a private burial with just immediate family, again because of prohibitions on large gatherings of people. Once all this is over, in the future when we can all be together again, we will have a memorial for Claire. We will keep everyone updated.

Read More of the journal titled "March 26, 2020"

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Claire Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Claire's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser

Support Links

Helpful Requests

Go to Ways to Help