It’s been a little while since I did a family update on mom and dad and there have been some new developments in the last week, so I wanted to let you all know how they are doing. Mom and dad have been at Dogwood Forest assisted living for 8 months now and it’s really gone so well.
The weather has been so nice and when we visit, we often go on the patio or porches and sit. It’s a good way to catch up and get outside. This is mom’s balcony off her apartment.
Dad is still in memory care and will stay there. His dementia is pretty stable at the moment, but he needs all the extra care they give him in memory care and it has let mom be able to take care of herself and not have to worry about him too. That’s been a blessing for her!
Mom has made a lot of friends and they play games, in particular Rumikub in the game room on her floor. Making friends has been so good for her and I know she is a blessing to them, because they tell me that.
Dad has a nice patio area outside memory care and we go out there with him too and he will make his way outside on nice days too.
Recently, Bobbie and Lynn Davis stopped by to see mom and dad. Lynn (the husband) is a fantastic singer and they raised their family in my dad’s church many years ago, so it is always nice to see them. Lynn brought his music and sat in the lobby and sang gospel music and you should have seen the crowd that gathered. He’s going to come back and sing again and I know it blessed the residents. Mom and dad enjoyed it so much too.
They had a mother/daughter dinner recently and I joined mom for that. It was a nice time too and very thoughtful of the facility to do these things for the residents.
We often end up on the balcony to visit. Conversations with dad are hard since he lives in the moment. He talks some about the past, but most of our conversations are about the weather, food and just normal small things. He seems to be very content for the most part and has stopped talking about home and his cars/truck, which is good. We are glad he’s not fixated on those things anymore. He just lives in the day to day and those 3 meals a day are the most important things in his life at the moment. And that’s ok!
Unfortunately, after having a wonderful 8 months in assisted living, mom took a fall last week and broke her shoulder. Mom was helping another lady in a wheelchair hold open the elevator door so she could get out and her walker was behind her. When she turned around to get it, she fell down and landed on her left shoulder. She doesn’t know exactly what made her fall, she just went down. At her age, this is so common and can be hazardous for sure.
We’ve been to urgent care and then to an orthopedic facility and her xrays indicated that it’s a fracture break and will just have to heal up. He said she should heal up pretty well in 6 to 8 weeks and then will get physical therapy to help with her arm mobility. We would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery for her. It’s going to be hard for her, she’s staying in her room for now and we have extra levels of care for her for the next few months. We are hopeful for a good recovery for her.
That’s what is going on and I knew you all would want to know. Things have gone so well for both of them and then this mishap happened. But we are thankful they are in a good place and well taken care of. Thank you for all your concern for my parents.
Love seeing the updates on your family. Praying that your mom has a quick recovery.
I’m so glad to hear about them both – sorry to hear about your mom but so thankful she is now in a wonderful plan to continue her healing. Makes it you know that this place is exactly where they need to be at this stage of their lives. I’ve come early – 75 – to similar place in NC and could not be happier
Thanks for that update on your parents, Rhoda. They do look as if they are very content, but so sorry to hear of your Mom’s injury. Interesting, your comment on how mealtime is your Dad’s focus. When my own Dad was in his final months in care, he would keep his food tray well past the pick up time, as if he were slowly relishing every morsel on it. It evidently was a comfort, perhaps an ongoing point of reference for a still-familiar and enjoyable thing as his long term memory was basically gone. It was rather heartbreaking to observe, but it was how he coped, and as you said that’s OK.
HI, Jane, I think you are exactly right. He’s always always enjoyed eating and those meal times give him comfort. When he’s with mom he will constantly ask what time it is if it’s remotely close to lunch time.
I’ve been following your journey with your folks and appreciate your updates on them. I too am going through this at the same time with mine. It sure is hard emotionally! I embraced many of your tips to help with their move and it’s s comfort to know all those feelings I have are valid and others are also feeling them. The guilt is hard!! Glad your folks are adjusting well. Mine are getting there. I do sleep better at night knowing they are in a safer place. Thank you again for sharing your journey. It really has helped me! Prayers to you and your family! 💗
Hi, Gail, thanks so much for the note. I hope our journey helps others, we are all in this same journey together. I’m sure your parents will adjust as well.
So good to catch up with news on your parents. My mom was at Dogwood Forest in Grayson. I’ve shared with you in the past. It was a wonderful place.
I’m so glad you found a good place for your parents. Praying for your mother and family as she recovers from the fall. Aging is a journey.
Glad your parents have adjusted so well. Prayers for your mom to heal quickly.🙏🏻
Thanks for the update. I am so sorry your mother fell but hope she has a full and speedy recovery. Prayers for all.
I am always interested in their expressions. I have a son who lives and teaches in Alparetta. Understand it is close. will check it out the next time we are up to visit him. I am sure that having to be extra careful is a pain for your Mom since we all tend to get much more careful and slow as we age.HOPE HER recovery is swift and over soon. Thanks for the pot.
Love hearing about your mom and dad. God bless you all!
Sorry about your mama and I pray she’ll have a speedy and complete recovery.
I love hearing updates about your sweet parents and I’m glad they are mostly doing well! I hope Mom has a speedy recovery!
Rhoda, your folks look great! They look better than ever! Wish your mom didn’t take a tumble, but I’m sure she will try her best to get that arm and shoulder mobile again. One day at a time. Bless them. xo
thank you for the updates on your mother and father. It has been concerning not hearing in a bit.So glad your mothers results are mendable.
I always love the updates on your family Please keep them coming I’m so sorry your mom broke her shoulder and hope for a speedy recovery Your mom always looks so nice I was wondering where she buys her clothes I’m close to her age and never seem to find clothes that she wears I love her outfits
HI, Donna, I’m trying to find new clothes for her and we have found things at Kohls and JC Penney lately. She just bought a few new things on Monday and then had the accident on Thursday, so won’t be wearing those clothes for awhile.
So good to get an update on your parents. Your mama will be in my prayers!
So very thankful that your Mama’s fall was not worse. Praying that she heals quickly and completely. Our Mamas are so special! She looks so pretty in your pics – glad she’s made friends and gets out. And your Dad looks good too – guess those meals must be very good! Rhoda, so thankful for your posts – love looking at all the pretty things!!!
Glad to get an update on your folks. I’m so sorry about your mom’s accident, and I hope she heals well and soon!
Rhoda, I am a fairly new subscriber and have fallen in love with your precious parents. I continue praying for a complete healing and swift recovery for your mom. What a blessing for them to have such good care! ❤️
Hi Rhoda, thank you for the update on your sweet parents. I’m hoping for a good rehabilitation for your mom. I’m concerned about her sleeping with a broken shoulder.