I hope that what mum heard will be confirmed this week. Dad is still in respite, but according to various sources (as yet unconfirmed), dad will be offered a permanent place where he is now, quite possibly staying in the same room.
If that turns out to be true, then it will be a real answer to prayer. Mum went to visit him last week. The room he is in is light, with plenty of space for his own things (furniture, pictures, etc), and the residents are encouraged to bring their own items with them. There is a large window at one side, with both opening panes and a door into the garden outside, so dad will have be able to get out in the fresh air if he wants to. All in all, it sounds like a good place for him to be. Mum said that one of the staff spent some time with him, looking at a book he had taken in, and reported that it was 'nice to talk to someone with a bit of class'. So that is something that has not changed!
But according to mum, he is getting worse. He had no idea who mum was when she visited. He could not relate to anyone in the family, although when Carol (my sister-in-law) went to visit, he told her that he had two sons who were going to come and take him home. Carol had to explain that they could not come straight away - and anyway, home to him now is Birmingham where he grew up. It is as if the whole of his married life and his family no longer appear in his memory - 49 years of married life has gone. he also seems to have lost all idea of time and distance.
And as for mum - she sounds more cheerful now that the decision has been made. She is now able to please herself, which I think is a great relief. She spent some time tidying the front garden, which now looks very good she says. I will go over when I can...
If that turns out to be true, then it will be a real answer to prayer. Mum went to visit him last week. The room he is in is light, with plenty of space for his own things (furniture, pictures, etc), and the residents are encouraged to bring their own items with them. There is a large window at one side, with both opening panes and a door into the garden outside, so dad will have be able to get out in the fresh air if he wants to. All in all, it sounds like a good place for him to be. Mum said that one of the staff spent some time with him, looking at a book he had taken in, and reported that it was 'nice to talk to someone with a bit of class'. So that is something that has not changed!
But according to mum, he is getting worse. He had no idea who mum was when she visited. He could not relate to anyone in the family, although when Carol (my sister-in-law) went to visit, he told her that he had two sons who were going to come and take him home. Carol had to explain that they could not come straight away - and anyway, home to him now is Birmingham where he grew up. It is as if the whole of his married life and his family no longer appear in his memory - 49 years of married life has gone. he also seems to have lost all idea of time and distance.
And as for mum - she sounds more cheerful now that the decision has been made. She is now able to please herself, which I think is a great relief. She spent some time tidying the front garden, which now looks very good she says. I will go over when I can...
1 comment:
I am sure none of this is easy but I am also sure this will be the best decision in the end.
Hang in there.
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