Mood: Happy!!!
Don't get me wrong...I am not happy because my father is in the hospital...ok, well maybe I am, because he's getting some much needed help. We got him admitted in a Skilled Nursing Facility and after one day there, he's doing better! Since he has an HMO, I am not so sure how long it will last, so I am praying that it's going to be long enough to get him back on his feet and wanting to live again.
Last night he refused his dinner because he was so nauseated. They planned on doing a line for direct feeding, but this morning he decided to eat his liquid breakfast! Yes! Major progress! (maybe he didn't want to go thru that surgical procedure that they'd have to do to insert the tube)
Then he had a liquid lunch and he said he ate most of it! When I got there it was about 3pm and he said he's been "starving" all day and constantly thinking about food! He said that he's been craving Pork Fried Rice, of all things! I wanted to run right out and get it for him! But, we're taking b-a-b-y steps here!
He said the facility's social worker came by and spent about an hour talking with him about depression and his illness. I was thrilled because at least it was some adult conversation from someone other than me. She came back later to check on him and we all talked about his depression, the family's concerns and what he could do to become more active.
Papa mentioned that he'd like to volunteer at the Senior Center and possibly drive some of them to doctor's appointments! I about fell outta the chair! More progress!
So, tomorrow I am going to the local Senior Center to find out about Meals on Wheels, lunches at the center and their various activities. I am also going to contact some of his former work buddies who are also retired to see if they'll include him in their outings. And....he's a Mason, so maybe some of those guys will lend a friendly ear or spend some time with him!
He's got to have some stimulation and interaction with people to come alive again and we're gonna see to it that he does!
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YEAH!!!!!!!! It sounds like a step (or two) in the right direction. :) xxoo
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a mason, too; they will definitely find him some things to do. My husband's lodge does all sorts of community project stuff. I really hope you run with all this progress, everyone, even total strangers will potentially benefit! Good Luck! Kristi
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely journal you have, and so much love mixed in. My father is no longer with us and that is a major loss to me. It pleasures me to hear about people really interacting with their parents. I hope your father continues to make progress.
ReplyDeleteBarb
starting to worry about you.....are you ok?
ReplyDeleteCK-How sweet that you checked up on me! I appreciate it! So much going on and it will take days to write it all, but I will try!
ReplyDeleteAnd Barb...thanks for the visit and very kind comments!