Christmas Party





Guest of honor!!

Dodgy iPhone pic!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Sorry for the delay in updates.  Busy time here.  Even though dad is in a care home, there is still so much to do... my poor brain is reeling.  Have to organize a neurologist, a wheelchair, a new care home (dad is only in respite), banking, legal documents.  This last week has been particularly stressful... I felt like a deflated balloon yesterday.  Thankfully I was able to sit on Bondi Beach for a while today to decompress.

Friday was Christmas lunch at Wentworth Manor.  We took some pictures while waiting for everyone to be seated... it takes a lot of time to get all those wheelchairs into place!  It was their annual lunch for residents and family.  We had a plates of turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, cranberries and roasted vegetables.  Dessert was a really yummy, warm Christmas pudding with sauce Anglaise.

In looking at these pictures, dad is looking really good.  He has put some more weight on... you can see it in his face.  Even a photo from the weekend before, his face was more drawn.

Days are still up and down.... sometimes dad is clear, sometimes I don't understand him at all.  They did mention at the care home that dad seems more settled... he's less on the lam these days.  Seems more contented to remain in his bed, or his chair.  I saw him teasing the activities manager one day.  He caught her eye, even smiled.  I had noticed before he had been withdrawing into himself.  Perhaps it was those years of the stress of living on his own, taking care of himself and not knowing what his future was.  Now that we're settling his care out, he can see that it isn't as bad as he had it pictured!

We are not sure if dad is going to remain in this home, or if we have to move him.   There is a lot to take into account, financially, etc.  Pretty torn though, as the care at the 'Manor' is top notch and I have not had to worry a moment about the care he has received there.  (Though I do worry about him personally... if you can understand the difference.)  He is now used to the care workers, and is used to the routine.  The next few weeks will tell.  Looking forward to getting it all resolved.  I am waking up at 5 every morning worrying about him.  Maybe I need a few more hours decompressing in front of the waves!!

All is well here in Rose Bay...