The road is never straight....

My Dad

Once we had moved Dad into his home we knew there would be a period of settling for him ....and for us. 

New routines and adjustments to make.

What we didn't expect was the nagging feeling that he wasn't happy . The deep certainty that this just wasn't right.

I couldn't put my finger on it.

The room was lovely. 

The staff were pleasant. 

The boxes were all ticked.

On one occasion I called in to take Dad out and he had refused to get dressed. He was sat in a darkened room in his pyjamas. I got him dressed, shaved him and hugged him. 

He cried. 

The next time I went to visit he was confused and disorientated. He didn't even know who I was.

I cried.

He seemed to be losing himself in this place. There was not enough stimulation to keep him focussed and aware. I  know for Dad care is so much more than just meeting his physical needs. He needs to be talked to. Listened to. Considered. Liked. Loved. Entertained. So......

Last weekend we moved him to the most amazing place ever. It may be 3/4 of an hour away , but I feel so thankful we have found it. The people who run this place are angels.

They cut his hair and trimmed his eyebrows and made him look so handsome.  They listened to him play his harmonica and to his stories and told him what an amazing man he is. He cried, but for the right reasons. 

They take the residents to the pub in the bus and for walks every day. They have comedy days and garden parties. They have a visiting musician and spa trips. They have activities every morning and afternoon.

WE have to book to see HIM.  

HE is the busy one. 

He is honoured and cherished and loved when we are not there to do it and I cannot find the words to tell you what that means to me.

Yes, I'd rather he was home and not so far away, but that isn't possible anymore so for now he is in the best place he can be , of that I am sure.

Take a look at his smiling face in my instagram picture in my sidebar. 

That's a happy Dad. X

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