Another quiet day. Old friends from Birmingham are staying in my house and feeding my cats. They came to see me today with some much-needed shirts. They will be away tomorrow, though, and I can go back to worrying.
Knitting went well. The body of the sweater now measures 8 1/2”. I remain on target to finish it (to the armholes) (14”) by the time I leave here on Saturday.
We had a family Zoom meeting today largely on the subject of what to do with me. Some, at least, think I should stay here another week while they organise live-in care for Drummond Place. I don’t think we’ve quite reached that extremity, but it is certainly a comfort here, at night, to know that help is so near if needed. And Helen is certainly carrying a heavy load.
Oh dear, Jean, you are caught in the midst of some difficult decisions that seem to happen to those of us in our 80's. Janet in Seattle
ReplyDeleteWhen I had heart surgery last year, I knew that my husband couldnt cope with a change of scene, so had a live -in carer for the 12 days I was away. He knew her well as she does some Care times for him, and I have a feeling she spoilt him! For him , to remain at home, was the best solution. Eighties are no fun that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering whether you might be able to manage with scheduled visits from carers during the day and a commode at your bedside for during the night. Getting to the bathroom without risking falls can be a problem, especially for those with low blood-pressure. Two friends in their seventies have experienced this recently. But it will always be a difficult decision for you and your family. I feel for you.
ReplyDeleteVery difficult decisions! How has the physical training gone? Do you feel stronger?
ReplyDeleteAnother observation - when we moved from our house to a care home, I missed my cat most of all. Take note Jean. Janet in Seattle
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough issue and I feel for you, and also for your loving family. My observations over the years, for what they are worth, are that the loving family desperately want their elder relative to be safe and protected. The elder, on the other hand, wants to be "happy" (probably "at home" even with its attendant risks) rather than in what many might feel was a benign captivity.
ReplyDeleteIn the end my mother chose residential care rather than live in attendants at the family home, because she said that the live-ins would change the dynamic and atmosphere so much that it would not feel like her own home any more anyway. In the intervening period she did get some amusement from the regular carer visits we organised for her privately. They don't "cook" though, just heat up ready meals which someone else has to supply and unpack and put into store for the elder individual. Both my parents loathed ready meals. Jean, I think you have my e-mail address if you want to chat about any of this. I'll mail you my phone number too....
JennyS