Dad continues to make slow but steady progress. He is eating more, even though he is still not very wakeful most of the time. He seems to have difficulty talking (very soft and not clear) when he is awake. He is on Tylenol for pain now, no narcotics. He was able to work with the PT a bit more (moving his legs), but still cannot sit up long without support. He was also repositioning himself on his own though. He was given a suppository and successfully had a bowel movement, which is why the doctor said he was ready to be released from the hospital to the rehab centre in the afternoon. During his 2nd PT session at the hospital, he was helped to a standing position. He didn't seem to experience as much pain during this, but couldn't yet stand on his own. He was transferred around 4:30pm. The new facility is just a couple of blocks from the hospital. Barb obtained copies of all the hospital reports so that we have a complete record for the future.
At the new centre, we began the process of helping the new staff get to know Dad. We made sure to review the medications as it seems his record includes quite a long list of things which we are not sure when they were ordered (many are just 'as needed', but even so we want to minimize the different drugs if possible). His vital signs are all very good. He is on oxygen for the moment, and was diagnosed with pneumonia so he is receiving antibiotics. At dinnertime, we tried to get Dad to feed himself for the first time. He was as usual VERY hungry. He held the fork/spoon and tried to feed himself, but is not able to lift it all the way to his mouth. Barb and I helped him with each forkful and he ate 100% of his dinner: beef/vegetable stew, lentil soup, pears, chocolate pudding.
We will return this morning, hoping to catch the therapists when they come to do his initial evaluation. I will be returning to Vancouver this evening.
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