2007/04/04
Winterpeg, Dad-in-care, Brother Reformed
It is April already. It doesn't feel like spring here in Winterpeg. The high was only minus 5 today with a bitter wind. I heard someone say recently they like Manitoba because there are four distinct seasons. Well, here's another point of view. Manitoba has four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and potholes! That's what it feels like today- still winter!
I just got back a few hours ago from a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick. I went to see my Dad. He is in a very nice personal care home just for veterans. Everyone knows everyone there and they are taking very good care of him. I played cribbage with him. I was surprised that he can still do that. At first I had to coach him along, but the longer we played, the better he remembered and at the end he was counting up the points faster than I was! I am so happy that he is in a safe place. I told the physio-therapist that he likes to play cards and I'm hoping they will play with him once in a while. It will keep him going longer. My cousin Lucy and I went shopping to buy him a few more clothes.
One of the women working there said that for the first few days he wandered around trying to get out, but the doors are all locked. He has on an alarm bracelet, too, just in case he gets out. He complained to me that they wouldn't let him out. I tried to make him see they were just trying to keep him safe, but, of course, it makes him feel restricted. He seems to have more or less accepted that he's there to stay. That need to wander is quite common in people with dementia.
Those of you who know my brother will be pleasantly surprised to hear he is taking his responsibility (Power of Attorney) for my father quite seriously. You could have knocked me over with a feather when my brother told me that he has finally figured it all out. He can get a job with any taxi company in Saint John because he has formed a reputation for honesty and reliability. He laughed out loud when he said that and admitted that he "wasn't always that way." I laughed out loud, too. Anyway, he is taking care of Dad and seeing to his medical and financial needs.
One more week, seven more days and I will be on the train to Vancouver. Unbelievable! I am now car-less. No, not careless, car-less - I sold my car on Saturday. Tomorrow I get a rental for my last week in Winnipeg. I have a few last minute things that need doing.
HEY, HOW ABOUT SOMEBODY ELSE OUT THERE BLOGGING BESIDES ME AND GARY!
Winterpeg, Dad-in-care, Brother Reformed
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I just got back a few hours ago from a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick. I went to see my Dad. He is in a very nice personal care home just for veterans. Everyone knows everyone there and they are taking very good care of him. I played cribbage with him. I was surprised that he can still do that. At first I had to coach him along, but the longer we played, the better he remembered and at the end he was counting up the points faster than I was! I am so happy that he is in a safe place. I told the physio-therapist that he likes to play cards and I'm hoping they will play with him once in a while. It will keep him going longer. My cousin Lucy and I went shopping to buy him a few more clothes.
One of the women working there said that for the first few days he wandered around trying to get out, but the doors are all locked. He has on an alarm bracelet, too, just in case he gets out. He complained to me that they wouldn't let him out. I tried to make him see they were just trying to keep him safe, but, of course, it makes him feel restricted. He seems to have more or less accepted that he's there to stay. That need to wander is quite common in people with dementia.
Those of you who know my brother will be pleasantly surprised to hear he is taking his responsibility (Power of Attorney) for my father quite seriously. You could have knocked me over with a feather when my brother told me that he has finally figured it all out. He can get a job with any taxi company in Saint John because he has formed a reputation for honesty and reliability. He laughed out loud when he said that and admitted that he "wasn't always that way." I laughed out loud, too. Anyway, he is taking care of Dad and seeing to his medical and financial needs.
One more week, seven more days and I will be on the train to Vancouver. Unbelievable! I am now car-less. No, not careless, car-less - I sold my car on Saturday. Tomorrow I get a rental for my last week in Winnipeg. I have a few last minute things that need doing.
HEY, HOW ABOUT SOMEBODY ELSE OUT THERE BLOGGING BESIDES ME AND GARY!
Winterpeg, Dad-in-care, Brother Reformed
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