I was feeling quite low and so was Dad but OH MY we found a lovely, small homely centre which caters for only 13 people. He will have his own room with an en-suite. There's a lounge room with a huge TV screen and a piano. They have the occasional sing-a-long which Dad enjoys. The kitchen is on view from the dining room, making it very homely. Their menu for the day was written on a whiteboard for them all to see. Dad likes to know where he's up to with meals. They do the residents laundry for them so I don't have to drop off/pick up clothes to wash. In another large room a staff member was doing art/craft activities with 4 or 5 residents and they were chatting and I got a SMILE from an elderly lady. People were relaxed. And they have another cute resident, a really cute small dog...now that's cool, well it is for people who like dogs and Dad loves dogs. This place I feel really good about and SO DOES DAD. So Dad is having a week in May and I've put down for 2 weeks in July and 2 in September. WAHOO!
On a less positive note on returning home Dad is having 'the I'm having problems pooing again' with him not sitting on the toilet and a mess being made on the floor. Went to help and noticed it's like his Parkinson symptoms are playing up with him not being able to judge where to place his legs and confusion as to why he should sit on the toilet. Oh dear! But knowing I have that respite in May has given me something to look forward to and I don't feel so stressed.
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Oh dear...on that 'less positive note'. Those days were sooooooo frustrating for everyone. This disease is so unbelievable in how it makes their limbs so rigid and erases their ability to remember "why" to most basic needs/functions. My heart truly goes out to you.
ReplyDeletePlease DO try to focus on the positive...the place you found! Great! I am so happy this place will give you some peace of mind so you can get some down-time. Big sigh of relief! WAHOO, indeed!
Oh, I'm so happy you found such a darling place! I'm sure he will enjoy his stay there and you can relax, during your respite, and not worry about him while he's there. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finding such a nice place for Dad to have his respite while you have yours. It is always wonderful to know that our loved one is happy and taken care of like we would when present. There are a lot of places that leave us caregivers with questions. That is one thing we do not need when we are taking a well deserved break.
ReplyDeleteHang in there and you will reap the rewards that will make it all worth while. Karen