The Ouseys in Victoria Page

Mom has moved to rehab this week, and is progressing well. She hasn't been sleeping all that well, but her meds were changed and that is part of the problem. Joe and Dorothy were here for a 3 days. It was their anniversary, 55 years ago they honeymooned in Victoria and they recreated that this week. Went to some of the places they visited then. Of course they visited Mom several times in the process. We had them over for dinner on Tuesday, and had a nice visit. They left, today, for Nanaimo and a continuation of their trip. It was nice of them to come and Mom enjoyed their visit.

Not much else to report.
Ciao.

This prospect has brightened her spirits and she is now talking in terms of returning to her suite in the Cridge by mid May, which is certainly a possibility.

I captured this picture with the camera on my laptop. She continues to get cards, and letters which she appreciates and a surprise visit from Sandi Jefferies, Lorne's daughter. She was in town and dropped in to see Mom with some flowers, a very pleasant surprise for Mom.

Thats about it for now.

Peace.

Great-Grandma, Grandma, Mom, has been seen by several therapists, aides etc. but this morning was the first time I caught one in action, so I was able to find out directly what the plan is, rather than filtered through my Mom. She has been progressing well on her own, and they have commenced increased direct therapy. She is not quite ready to go to the geriatric rehab section but when she is and when space is available she will be moved there. In the meantime she will get direct assistance now re-training her mind to work her right arm and leg. Not only help to get dressed but relearn how to do this and other everyday tasks. She will get more exercise, walking etc. The therapist feels that Mom will be able to go back to the Cridge, albeit with some additional assistance, what that assistance is depends how much she improves.

Noni was up work wise and dropped in to see her yesterday and we were there too.

We went to Ann's 60th birthday party at the Crystal Jade restaurant. That is the first time we have been there since it took over the space that Uncle Willie's was in. It is a chinese buffet format and the food was excellent. It was nice to catch up with some friends we hadn't seen in a while. Ann and her two girls were gracious as always and Ann had a good time. We missed Tony as he was ill, I know he missed being there. We wish him well.

The Prairie Crocus is doing real well with her jewellery, see her blog for her latest creations and the latest on the g-day countdown.

And my brother Jack is slimming down, 45 lbs off and counting, Hmmmm guess I'll have to do something about my weight too. He has probably has already past me. Well done Jack.

TTFN
ta ta & peace.

Saw Mom again today, as we do everyday, she is feeling much better after a couple of BM's, well enough of that. She is being assessed by way too many people. And not while we are around. Thursday a therapist checked her out and said she would be going to the 5th floor rehab, maybe tomorrow (which would have been Friday), however, a lady (doctor? or therapist?) assessed her on Friday and said she would be going to 7 C/D for therapy, which apparently is more suited to her condition than the 5th floor rehab. You would think they would get together and make one decision rather than using this shotgun approach, not to mention speaking to me about what is going on. Then try to find out who they are and get in touch with them is near impossible. All the nurses know is what is on the "chart". Of course on a week end you can't find out anything.

On Friday they did move her from 607D next door to 608B, for reasons no one has been able to determine. She is at a window now so that is a bonus plus it was a change of venue, though I would have preferred her being in rehab. Overall they are treating her well. She has shown some signs of improvement. Her right hand grip is stronger, and her speech has improved. There is little sign of a stroke in her face. However, she says she is OK with a nursing and feels it would be better than returning to the Cridge, maybe having to move to another suite in the Cridge (when she qualifies for a subsidized suite) then again later to a nursing home. Regardless, we are trying to keep her motivated to get better and she is trying.

She thanks all who have sent cards and notes.

Ciao & Peace.

Mom is about the same, one day a little better the next a little worse. Overall she seems a bit weaker. She is OK with the possiblity of a nursing home and we will be investigating that option and putting her on the list. In the meantime we are waiting for her to be moved to the 5th floor therapy area where she will get the necessary help in getting her arm and leg some exercise and the training to get by with her disability. We are encouraging her to work at this and if successful she just may be able to go back to her place at the Cridge Centre, which we are all hoping for. Several staff and residents at the Cridge have sent cards of support and have called to see how she was doing also hope she returns.

Realistically and considering her age we have to be prepared for the possibility that the therapy won't work.

Any cards of support can be sent my address or even emailed to me to print and pass on.

Ta ta & Peace.

It was our 47th anniversary today. We were invited to our Grand-daughters new home for dessert. We had a nice dinner a Lyn's first then we all went over to Rachel's new place. It is very nice and cozy. A basement suite that is well appointed. A very nice evening.

Mom is still adamant about not wanting a phone. However, her situation is stable. Not getting worse, not getting better yet. She is waiting for a bed on the 5th floor which is the stroke rehab centre. Once there she will get therapy to both exercise her leg and arm to strengthen them but also learn to cope with the disability. Hopefully she will regain most of what she has lost. She will be there for a few weeks. I'll visit the phone thing with her again once she moves to the fifth floor. She has daily visits from Carolyn & myself, as well as visits from David and Lyn. Many family and friends have sent words of support and she appreciates it all.

Ciao
& Peace

My Mom has had a mini-stroke. Most anybody that reads this probably knows that already, since I have been on the phone or emailing for the past week.

It happened last Sunday and after a couple of trips to Doctors and Emergency, she was admitted to the Victoria General Hospital. CT scans have not shown any cause, clots, blockages, so the only course of action is therapy, which she should start tomorrow. She is getting good treatment, her doctor, Dr. Bill, visits everyday and in place of a visit he called in on a Sunday to see how things are going. Her spirits are good considering she can't use her right arm much, her right leg has improved to the point that she can maneuver her walker by herself. There was a distinct improvement in her speech today, though we could always understand her, her voice was stronger and clearer. She had had a good night sleep which probably accounts for her good humour today. I took her a squeeze ball today and that will help occupy her time and help her hand too. She has had some weird dreams, probably due to the drugs. She dreamt that she was having some houses built in Sooke hills, where that came from, one has to wonder.

She has expressed the desire that no one send flowers or fruit. Cards are fine, in fact she really enjoys them more than anything. She also does not want a phone, mostly because of her hearing and speech. However, I think I'll override that soon and get her one anyway. Her speech has improved and if she is going to be in for any length of time she should have one.



Carolyn and I are doing OK. We've been busy with Mom and her needs, We did get up to see Noni and John in Comox last weekend. Good thing we came home on Sunday as that is when Mom called with her problem. They have done a great job with painting and decorating, still have lots to do. They tore down a humongous ivy that was covering much of the front porch, now you can see the house. We had a great meal, John's famous ribs, mmmmmmmmm.

I have passed on everyones thoughts, emails, cards, love etc. She really appreciates the get well wishes and she passes on her thanks and her love to everyone.

Stay tuned --- I'll post Mom's condition and progress here periodically.

Ta ta & Peace.