Sunday, July 11, 2010

Friday

On Friday I stopped by for a visit with Dad. Reports for the week were good. They mentioned that he's actually been walking faster.

Dad seemed happy to see me and was responsive. Asked him if he wanted to go for a walk with me and he said yes and that he'd like to get the exercise. We got up and walked down the hall, out the front door, and then all the way around the side and to the back! We made one stop to sit and rest in the wheelchair. Once inside, it was time for dinner so we moved to sit at the table with the others. Seemed happy to be seated at that point and too tired to say goodbye!

At this point, I have cut one day for Anna---she is now working 3 mornings (M-W) instead of 4. Haydee is still scheduled for Tuesday afternoons (2.5 hours) and Thursday and Saturday mornings, though she has missed the past two Saturdays (sick one day, family conflict the other.)

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Talked with Dad

I finally called Dad. He seemed upbeat. He didn't talk much but he said he was okay. It was nice to talk with him after such a long time. I hope to call more often in the future.

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Yesterday and Today

I stopped by briefly to see Dad yesterday and drop off a check for Anna. Reports were all positive that Dad had been doing well, getting daily walks, etc. Dad smiled and said Hello but seemed comfortable and a bit dozy on the couch.

This afternoon I stopped by again to see if Dad might want to go for a ride in my car and possibly come to my house. He was on the couch and we talked for awhile. I was asking about whether he wanted to get up, go for a ride, etc. He was talking a little bit soft spoken...was first saying, "I'm not sure if I like you or not, but you seem nice" then I said, "I'm your daughter, do you remember me" and he said "I'm starting to". Later asked him if he remembered my name and he said "Suzie". I said no I'm Barbara, and he kept saying "Barbrack". Eventually seemed willing to get up...when prompted, he started to reach for walker and did fairly well to adjust himself with just a little assistance pushing on his back...good news being that he showed no signs of resistance either, considering he was kind of slumped in the couch. He stood up and seemed to need to balance a little, but then eventually we walked into the hallway. During the walk he seemed to be saying a lot of "ohs" with his steps, but then I'd ask him if he felt OK and he said "yes" and wanted to continue. Eventually he asked to switch to the wheelchair and we took him outside beside my car.

Asked him if he wanted to go for a ride and he responded "let's just be quiet for a while," so instead we just sat outside...nice sunny day. Dylan was in the car and I pointed that out and I saw Dad looking in at Dylan. I told him "There's your grandson." After several times asking him if he wanted to go in the car, he never seemed interested enough, so we said "Good-bye"

May try again to see if he wants to go for a ride tomorrow, and perhaps come over to my house for the 4th holiday.