Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Dad update

Hi everyone,

Got a call from Chris (administrator at Emerald Isle) yesterday morn... apparently Dad got up the night before a couple of times. Not sure of the exact chain of events, but Al heard Dad come out of the room (approx 2:30am?), walking without a walker, and holding his shoes from his closet. Al got him back to bed for a little while, and then when he got up again, Al let him sit in the recliner in the living room. Al sleeps on the couch in the living room by the way....at some point, Dad had walked over to the couch and apparently "hit" Al on the head while he was sleeping!

Chris mentioned that up to that point, Dad had been doing great...eating and sleeping well, conversing with others, etc. I had previously mentioned to them about the night time incidents, and certainly it is something they know can happen and are willing to deal with (to a point...if it persists, they may request additional night time care/support). However, she did raise the concern, which I share, about the physical aggression...not sure what Dad might have been thinking. Hopefully as he becomes more familiar with everyone, it won't happen again.

I stopped by yesterday and spoke to Al, who didn't seem shaken by the incident nor express concern. Dad was enjoying his lunch, but not very talkative. Al said his approach, in general, is not to force Dad to do anything he doesn't want to (giving him "time" and space when needed, for example), which is something I had discussed with him before (noting that Dad will sometimes get angry if forced when he's not ready.)

This morning I spoke to the other gal there and she said Dad slept fine last night and was doing great.

1 comment:

Catherine said...

Gosh this is really quite a change for Dad right now. I hope tht Dad will get used to being around Al and the other ladies. It is hard to adjust to new situations, no matter what the situation. I wish that I could help in some way, not sure how I could.

Barb could you please write the name and address of the place where Dad is staying, as well as the phone number. Thanks!
Cathy