Dad is now at Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Alexandria. The Regency House suggested it and we agreed because Dad was becoming unmanageable. He swings from the revival days to childhood to present. He doesn't comprehend that the people trying to help him aren't trying to hurt him. He switches channels of time, space and emotion … Continue reading Another New Change
We are seemingly on a track of decline. Dad's difficult hours are between 3pm through the night. We are experimenting with medications as he continues to have bouts of depression, hallucinations and combativeness. Mom is having issues as well with depression. I am learning what it's like to have no answers or easy fixes. We … Continue reading Dad continues to Decline
Dad seems to be doing better. Yesterday Melinda, Wes, Darlene and I met with the staff at Regency House and discussed the care plan. We are getting a sitter for dad for at least five nights. The fatigue over the past few days have left us spent on so many fronts. The weekend couldn't come … Continue reading First 24 Hours Back
After being in the hospital since Monday morning, Dad has returned to Regency House. He has recovered from the fall and the UTI but it has been a winding road with a few hairpen turns. Mom was running a fever last night. We are sure it is also a UTI. It's been a long week … Continue reading Dad returns to Regency House
As I watch my 83-year-old father struggle through IV's, dementia, infection and loss of the ability to do the normal tasks of life I am reminded that I must appreciate the fact that I can walk briskly, feed myself, go to the bathroom on my own, read, and enjoy the conversations of my family. These … Continue reading This Day is a Personal Reminder
Dad fell this morning at 5:30a. At 9:30 I got a call that they recommended that he go to the emergency room. Dad is severely dehydrated and has another UTI. He will probably go to a regular room this evening.
Caution: Rated PG Pretty Gritty Days are difficult in different ways. Unique as the snowflakes. Saturday morning, Mom and Dad were recovering from a rough night of sundowners with Dad. But Dad seemed clear. Today (Sunday) Dad seemed almost in a conscious coma. Sitting in his wheel chair, food in front of him. He seemed … Continue reading The New Normals
The featured picture is Dad doing what he does best- meeting friends. Yesterday was a day of more changes. At least this time it's a move inside the building instead of the Marigold Place to Regency, which we did earlier this week. Regency House moved Mom and Dad closer to the Nurses station. We are … Continue reading Moved Dad and Mom to a different room
By Melinda Draper He dreams of heaven… He was listening to gospel music, sitting in a chair across from today’s sitter. “Hi Daddy! How are you today?” Smiling - “Oh, ready to leave.” After explaining that it would be very soon and conversing about my day’s events, he asked where the tv was (he was … Continue reading He Dreams of Heaven
There's a thin line between the past and the present these days. The time I spend with Dad is circular. He is in the 1970's and 80s, planning revivals and concerts. He is convinced that we have a revival to do and that the preacher really only has one good message so I should prepare … Continue reading That Thin Line between Past and Present
Walking Them Home 