Elopment from Locked Nursing Facility

Attempted elopement from a skilled nursing facility in West Plains, MO on 5/12/13.  Carolyn and Phyllis packed all their belongings in their pillowcases, purses, and Wal-Mart bags, then went to the locked door of the unit and waited for someone, anyone to open it for them.  Nicole, a nurse, found them patiently waiting and trying to look all-innocent.  She explained that they couldn’t leave the facility without a staff member going with them.  Like children, the ladies obeyed the order to go back to their room to unpack.  Some time later when Nicole was making her rounds and walked into the now famous Carolyn and Phyllis room, the two of them were standing at the window looking at something.  Nicole joined them, smiled to herself, turned to them and asked, “What is your stuff doing out there on the ground?”  Carolyn and Phyllis looked to the corners of the room, the floor and anywhere else except at Nicole and did not answer. Escape had been partially successful.  They had ripped the screen loose, stuffed their pillows, comforters, clothing and a small potted plant through the 5-inch space to their freedom.  Carolyn and Phyllis no longer share the same room.  Alzheimer’s is a mean and cruel disease.  Choosing to see humor in my sister Carolyn’s actions, keeps me a little saner so I won’t be her roommate in the same facility any time soon. Mayo Clinic Info on Alzheimers