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.
Helen Balabanoff says
Glad your Mom is in safe hands and is recovering well from her fall. Thank you for the updates of your beautiful parents .. sending love and prayers!
Laura says
Thanks for the update on your Mom and Dad. I’ll add them both to my prayer list.
Patty Notgrass says
I am praying for all of you!
Janette says
So sorry about your mom. A fall and broken shoulder for my mother are the reasons we finally got my parents into assisted living. They have settled in so nicely, and they look so much healthier. We told them last week that we are putting their house on the market, and that was hard for them. Daddy understands that it’s the right decision, but Mother, even though she knows she will never go home, doesn’t want to let go of her things. The house is officially on the market and an auction company will sell their things, so we are making progress on that front. It’s so nice to know they are safe and being well cared for. What a load of worry that removes.
Rhoda says
I’m so glad for you that you have them settled in at assisted living. It’s a good feeling on that front. And I’m sure it’s hard for her to let go of her things, but hopefully she will adjust to that too. Old age is so hard for everyone involved.
Deborah says
Sending prayers for your mom to recover nicely & have a beautiful life for both parents
sondra spencer says
Prayers for a good recovery!
Margaret Parrish says
Thanks for the up-date on your Dad and Mom. Know this is hard for you also. They look so happy and so glad they are adjusting well. Will be praying for a speedy recovery for your Mom. Always look forward to your posts.
Gina D from Texas says
Glad to hear that overall things are going well. So sorry your mom fell but sounds like they are expecting a full recovery. Definitely praying she recovers quickly.
Always so glad to hear your family updates.
Blessings. ❤️🙏🏻
Juliet says
Prayers for your sweet mom, Rhoda. You found such a wonderful home for your parents. It seems lovely and they appear to be thriving, despite the unfortunate fall. What a relief to have them settled and we’ll looked after. Thanks for the update. xo
Paula B says
Thanks for sharing an update on your parents. I have always enjoyed your posts that featured them. How well I remember how much work your father put into the home remodel you did some years back. Will keep them both in my prayers
shirley says
prayers for a speedy recovery and then for physical therapy, such a loving sweet couple.
Glenna Mae says
Rhoda, Thank you for sharing your parents with us all. I certainly have enjoyed them and their big adventure to their new home and way of life in their later senior years. Prayers for them as your dad continues to hold on and your dear mom as she recovers with her shoulder. They are good people and you are a good daughter. I’m a fan. Love to you all.
Kathy Lahr says
Thanks for the update! What a blessing they are in such a wonderful facility and have such good care. Sending prayers for your Mother’s recovery and that your Daddy continues to be stable with the dementia.
I know it is a big relief for your family to have them so well cared for.
Kathy
Kim Snapp says
Thank you for updating us on your parents. They are just such precious people and it’s heartwarming to see how they are doing. I’ll be praying for your Mom’s healing and continued peace for your Daddy.
Vicki says
Thanks for the update. Praying for your sweet mom.
Cousin Judy says
Rhoda, I was so glad for the update on your folks. Sorry though that Aunt Iris had that fall. I try to catch your posts especially to know how they are doing, and the rest of you as well. Give everyone a hello from me and my love as well.
Catherine from Kennesaw says
Your parents are precious and I am sorry about your mother’s fall. They are both so fortunate to have you as a daughter. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Susan Cicarelli says
Sending prayers and hugs for a quick recovery
Sara says
Love your updates. Can’t wait to see your sister’s house finished. Thanks for your blog.
diane in northern wis says
So sorry to hear about your Mom’s fall, Rhoda. Thank goodness she is in a good place and will be well cared for there as her shoulder heals. I love her little apartment and patio…such a nice place for her to live. And it sounds and looks like your Dad is doing well too. So glad you found such a good place for them to live. God bless you all.
Carolyn says
Love your blog so much. I am praying for your sweet mama and daddy. Sounds like they are in a wonderful place and are getting good care. xoxo
Teresa says
Praying for a quick recovery and healing for your sweet Mom. Falls at that age can be so scary! Glad she is okay and on the mend. That aside, they both look like they are doing well in their new home.
Suzette says
Thanks for the update. Been checking every day to see if there was an update on your parents.
Prayers for your precious mother’s healing.