skimps46

Well, how is it going to feel to read a post of mine that is not whining or bitching? Bwahahaha!

So we went to the doc's on Monday, I left frustrated, daddy left not knowing where we went, and then we went to the store. I needed milk, and we went to our local grocery store, and I got dad in one of the motorized carts, showed him again how to rotate the handle toward himself to go forward, (he has done this exercise a million times) and this time, he looked at me like I was trying to explain quantum physics. No one home. Could NOT understand how to do this. So I walked along side, making the cart go myself, and got the milk and came home.

Yesterday, I was taking out daddy's trash, when into his driveway pulls a car. Great. Another campaigner, thinks I. And out steps an angel. A man named "Gary", who was with visiting nurses program, who had been sent by none other than dad's doctor! I could not believe what I was seeing! I introduced myself, we chatted outside a little, and in we went.

I had just given daddy his lunch, and he was sitting at the table with his stew and biscuits and coffee. Gary was patient, and kind and took all the time I needed. He took dad's bp, pulse, temp...and then, just talked with me. He asked daddy if he was going to vote, and of course, all you could hear were crickets in the silence. How old are you? Crickets. Sir, do you know what day it is? Crickets. Sir, who is SHE? (pointing at me) Finally dad spoke. "Hell, I don't know." That was all Gary needed to hear. From then on, he spoke with ME. Yes, ME!!! He validated all my fears. Asked questions I have never been asked (Have you thrown the breakers for the stove to off? I never thought of that...), checked out daddy's house, told me it was sure clean, and sure smelled good (ohmygosh, i nearly cried), and said it was clear that I was quite in love with my daddy, and he was a lucky man. He then told me that it was a matter of time before I found daddy in a heap because he was gonna fall. His gait is terrible.

Gary is sending a social worker to me early next week. He took my info and wrote it down, and said they would be in constant touch. He feels that dad is headed to a facility, and daggoned quick, too. His shuffling gait makes him a "fall" candidate. His angry outburst was no good, he is clearly a solid stage 6 headed into a stage 7 dementia patient, and the fact that he is at home now is a miracle.

The social worker will work with me as far as money is concerned for placement as dad only has enough for 3 or 4 months. He and the social worker and I will work hand in hand for dad's best interest.

You guys, I am so happy I could bawl. It's all about being fair to DAD, and makings sure he is getting what HE needs. It's not all about me. It's all about DAD, and finally - someone is listening. Finally.

...lil' deb