Mum was quite perky when Jackie and I joined her at her home in West End late yesterday afternoon. Two carers were in attendance, one, shadowing the other, cooking our mother’s evening meal. Mum has chosen to go into respite care for another attempt at rehabilitation, rather than continue to struggle at home. Social Services have, we are told, accepted that she should not have been discharged home without far more care than, without seeing her, they were prepared to fund. They will now contribute to full time care, although this will by no means cover the total cost. Further discussion is to be undertaken on Monday.
Jackie and I collected an excellent takeaway meal for Elizabeth and ourselves from Jewels Indian restaurant in Bisterne. This was very good. My wife and I returned home before the waking nighttime carer was due to arrive. My sister was to spend another night with our mother until Jacqueline arrived the next day.
I was totally oblivious of Jackie photographing me watching Bargain Hunt after lunch today.
Elizabeth’s commitment to Mum over this crisis period has meant that she has been unable completely to move into her new home in Pilley.
Jackie and I transported her craft materials to Burnt House Lane this afternoon. These are mostly items for bookbinding and photography. I could barely lift the black iron book press at bottom left of the stack.
We have received plenty of rain in the last few days – enough to begin to leave pools on the lanes, such as Elizabeth’s own Burnt House one.
Shallow wavelets are sent rippling,
and spray spouted, by passing vehicles.
On our return home we were brought to a standstill on Bull Hill by a string of sodden ponies trooping down the road. The grey behind the bushes was soon to join them.
While we were dealing with Elizabeth’s belongings the Barbarians were playing rugby against Argentina at Twickenham. Having recorded the match, I was able to watch it later.
Elizabeth joined us for dinner and will stay a few more days. We dined on Jackie’s excellent beef pie; potatoes, mushrooms, and onions au gratin; and crisp carrots, Brussels sprouts and runner beans. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden while my sister and I finished the Cotes du Rhone.
It’s frustrating the impact full time care costs have and that all recent governments have effectively kicked the issue into the long grass.
Quite so, Dad. Many thanks
Glad yourc Mom is receptive to go back to a senior medical care faciility rather than to stay in her own home. She will be safer, have an opportunity to meet other people and have 24 hour care as needed. It will also give you peace of mind.
It will, indeed, Gary. Many thanks
Care to the frail is a draining process all round. I think your Bargain Hunt was actually an eyelids inspection! Elizabeth is certainly able to prove she has pressing matters on hand.
Thanks very much, Leslie
I thought it was Lesley not Leslie; silly me; my apologies to Leslie
I hope you are able to sort things for your mother without too much trouble. My siblings and I are paying for part-time carers to help my mom in the morning and at night, but we worry about her the rest of the day and overnight.
You watch TV the way my husband watches. 🙂
Many thanks, Merril. It was the two visits a day that was all Social Services would contribute too until 3 falls in a fortnight, two nights waiting in ER and another chest infection convinced them otherwise.
Good luck, Derrick!
I wish your mother all the best as plans for her care are worked out. You are all doing the best you can, and I know it takes a toll on the caregivers, no matter how much one loves the person needing care. I hope you are able to get the funding you need. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please take good care of yourselves, too.
Yes – what Lavinia said. From me too. With all my heart.
Very many thanks, Jodie
Very many thanks, Lavinia
: )
We are having a bit of rain also. Your mum is a lucky woman.
Thanks very much, Flower
I’m happy to hear your mum will be properly taken care of. Looks like someone got a little sleepy watching the telly! 🙂
Many thanks, Jill. The best soporific I know 🙂
Hi Derrick, I’m back, but not not at full power yet, it’s very tiring for me to be on my computer for any length of time….. great to see you having a snooze too, which is all I seem to be doing with my days at the moment……
I hope you perk up soon, Ivor. Thanks very much
Always my pleasure Derrick
I see Bargain Hunt was a riveting show! Sorry to hear the runaround malarkey wit your mum. She is fortunate to have a strong family by her side!
Thanks very much, Pauline. I never know who has won Bargain Hunt 🙂
hope it all sorts out with your mum
Thanks very much, Geoff
You are blessed to have home care for your mom. Here in our country, when our parents grow old, they live with us and we take care of them. There are a few hospice care around but they are so expensive, not practical for a poor and middle class Filipino family. Hope she is doing okay now.
Cost-wise it is pretty much the same here. Mum won’t live with any of us, skas not to be a burden!! Thanks very much, Arlene
Glad to hear your mom’s going to give rehab another go. That’s a goal and that’s a healthy attitude. Are you sure you were watching the ol tv? Ha! You deserve a good rest! Your mother is so fortunate to have such a caring family. I hope for the best.
Very many thanks, Paul
Pleased to see you watch educational stuff, besides Rugby and other rubbish, on your TV
I find it gripping, Brian. Many thanks
I’m glad someone does! 😈
In truth it has been dreadfully dumbed down
Which wouldn’t have taken much effort I imagine 😛
🙂
It seems to me that you are having much more funding available to provide care for elderly than we have here, even though you might have to supplement some of it. Your mother is lucky.
Many thanks, Dolly. Her house will need to be sold to cover the cost
But still, it is significantly more in terms of finding from outside (government?) sources, than we have here. I’ve gone this route with my father and stepmother.
Clearly not so good
Certainly, but one has to deal with existing realities.
Yep
I hope it is less costly there than in the states. Unbelievably expensive there.
£1000 or so a week. Thanks very much, Judy
You spend a long time saving a little bit of money and then someone pockets it. A sad fact of modern life.
Quite so. Andrew – and you contribute, without choice, to insurance that doesn’t cover you
It is all political trickery. I read yesterday that the Police precept is to be doubled next year through Council Tax. They call it a precept so that they can still claim that Council Tax hasn’t risen above inflation. They have previously used the same trick for Adult Social Care.
I can relate to your mother’s situation —she is fortunate to be in such caring hands. Those are flawless images as usual.
Thanks very much, Uma
You watch television just like my dad used to. When we’d change the channel he’d wake up and he’d say, “Hey! I was just resting my eyes.” 😀 😉
We went through, with our mothers, what you are going through with your mum. I will continue to pray for her, and for each of you. It’s good to know she is safe and well taken care of. And most of all, she is loved dearly by her family…and that is THE most important thing. 🙂
Love your rainy and after-rain photos!
(((HUGS))) to all!
Very many thanks, Carolyn X
Don’t worry, Derrick, it’ll sort itself out in the end.
Thanks a lot, John
Watching TV Derrick? who you trying to kid? hahaha
Ponies, good food and Mum in good spirits – sounds like a very good day indeed!
Many thanks, GP 🙂
So glad you have your mother situated and that she is getting the care she needs. I am sure this helps you to rest easier ❤️
Thanks very much, Lynn
I love the candid shot Jackie took of you she did a good job
🙂
Your mother seems to be a wise and realistic woman. Hers is a challenging stage in life, and I wish her and you, the best outcomes possible.
Very many thanks, Diane
Your’s is a creative family Derrick.
Many thanks, Rupali
Perhaps not the best situation but at least your mum is being cared for and safe, Derrick. Wishing you and yours the best outcome possible.
Thank you very much, Eugenia
My pleasure.
Blessings to you and your family
Thanks very much, Cinnamon
You’re very welcome
I also must add that you watch TV the way my husband does. 😉 Good luck with your mother. Glad she is getting the care she needs.
Thanks very much, Laurie. Like minds…….
And then for some reason, Clif always denies he is asleep. One time, on a show we were watching, one of the characters asked, “Are you asleep.” Clif came to with a jerk. “No, no, I am not asleep.” Too funny!
Did you think I was asleep?
Tee-hee!
🙂
I’m sorry to hear your mum was inappropriately discharged but so good your family have stepped up to the plate.
Many thanks, Helen
Good luck with everything.
Thanks very much, Mazoli